Roméo et Juliette


By: Charles Gounod

Libretto by: Jules Barbier and Michel Carré (adapted from Shakespeare's Play)

Cast:




Story: (just in case you haven't read the play)

ACT 1 A masked ball at the Capulet residence
After a tempestuous orchestral introduction depicting the animosity between the rival Capulet and Montague houses, the curtain opens to assembled guests at a masked Capulet ball; Tybalt assures Paris that he will become enthralled by the beautiful Juliet; Capulet escorts his daughter into the hall and jovially invites his guests to dance in adjacent rooms. When the stage is clear, the masked Romeo and his friends, Mercutio and Benvolio, come out of hiding. Romeo explains that he has recently had dream that has filled him with foreboding about their adventure. Mercutio dismisses the dream as the work of the fairy Queen Mab. Romeo suddenly catches glimpse of Juliet and falls in love instantly. He is dragged aside by his friends just as the girl and her nurse Gertrude enter the hall. In response to Gertrude's glowing praise of Paris, Juliet indicates lightheartedly that she is not interested in marriage. Romeo steps out from corner and the two realize that their destinies are one in minuet-like duet. Tybalt unexpectedly happens upon them and the two lovers realize their identities. Romeo and his friends beat hasty retreat but, as the festive music of the opening wells up in orchestra and chorus, Capulet prevents Tybalt from pursuing them.

ACT 2 The Capulet garden by night; Juliet's balcony
Romeo has stealthily made his way into the Capulet garden. He apostrophizes Juliet as the morning sun in the famous cavatine "Ah! Lève-toi soleil!" and shortly after she appears on the balcony, Romeo reveals his presence to her and declares his love. Their tender words are momentarily interrupted by comic interlude in which Gregory and other Capulet servants run through the garden in search of Montague pageboy seen in the grounds. Romeo re-emerges from hiding for duet in which Juliet confirms that she will marry him at any time and Romeo renews his pledge of affection. When Gertrude interrupts their conversation, the two lovers vainly seek to prolong their encounter.

ACT 3i The cell of Friar Laurence; daybreak
After setting down basketful of medicinal plants and flowers, Friar Laurence sings of nature's wonders. Romeo rushes in and reveals his love for Juliet Capulet. She soon follows and the two ask Laurence to marry them. Convinced of the strength of their attachment, he performs the ceremony. The two lovers ritualistically interject chant-like response between each stanza of his prayer and the three of them are soon joined by Gertrude.

ACT 3ii A street in front of the Capulet house
Romeo's page Stephano (Balthasar in Shakespeare's play) taunts the Capulets with song about turtledove held prisoner in nest of vultures and draws Gregory and other Capulet servants out of the house. Stephano repeats the refrain of his song in their presence and challenges Gregory to duel. Mercutio and Benvolio come upon them, followed shortly by Tybalt and Paris. Mercutio is indignant over the fact that Gregory is dueling with child. Tybalt warns Mercutio to mind his words and the two engage in duel themselves. Romeo appears and asks Tybalt to forget about the hatred between the families. When Mercutio is subsequently wounded by Tybalt, Romeo seeks revenge against the latter and mortally injures his rival. fanfare heralds the arrival of the Duke. The partisans of both houses clamor for justice and, acquainting himself with what has happened, the Duke exiles Romeo from Verona.

ACT 4i Juliet's room; daybreak
After an instrumental prelude in which four cellos sensuously translate the essence of the wedding night, Juliet pardons Romeo for having killed one of her relatives. The two sing of their love until Romeo suddenly breaks away from the embrace when he hears the morning lark. Juliet at first refuses to believe him but then comes to grips with reality before they bid each other farewell. Capulet enters after Romeo has left, informing Juliet that she is to marry Paris that ver day. Juliet is in despair at this news and, alone with Friar Laurence, tells him that she would rather die than marry Paris. He suggests ruse, using potion by means of which she will appear dead; the Capulets will then transport her body to the family tomb, where Romeo will meet her. Juliet agrees to the plan and summons her courage.

ACT4ii
A magnificent hall in the Capulet palace Juliet is led on with wedding march. The guests offer their best wishes and present gifts but as Capulet leads her by the arm into the chapel she collapses. Much to the dismay of all, he cries out that she is dead.

ACT 5 The underground crypt of the Capulets
Juliet lies outstretched on tomb. Friar Laurence learns from Friar John that Romeo has not received the letter explaining the ruse and instructs him to find another messenger. After delicate instrumental interlude that evokes Juliet's somnolent state, Romeo appears. Believing Juliet dead, he drinks vial of poison. At that moment she awakens and the two sing of their love with extensive thematic recollection of past moments in the opera. As he weakens, Juliet uncovers the sword she has hidden in her clothes, she abruptly stabs herself. She gives voice to her love one more time and with final sentimental effort, they embrace before they die.