While a perhaps more-remembered aria from this opera takes most of its lyrics from theMarseillaise, its most important section musically is the fourth act "slumber-song," "Air duSommeil.
While a perhaps more-remembered aria from this opera takes most of its lyrics from theMarseillaise, its most important section musically is the fourth act "slumber-song," "Air duSommeil." The protagonist of this opera dies while saving Elvira from a combination of Borella'sinvasion and a volcanic eruption, after the city descends into chaos following Selva's attempt toarrest the title character. During a performance of this opera at the Theatre de la Monnaie, the tenoryelled "To Arms!" and was responded to with a crowd chanting "Death to the (*) King!" Since 1944,this opera has not been staged in the country where that prior incident occurred, due to threats from Flemishnationalists. While this opera's duet "Amour sacrÃ© de la patrie" was being sung, an 1830 theater riot began.For 10 points, name this opera by Daniel Auber which invented both French grand opera and anindependent Belgium, and is about the consequences of the seduction of Fenella, Masaniello's sister, whocannot speak.
While a perhaps more-remembered aria from this opera takes most of its lyrics from theMarseillaise, its most important section musically is the fourth act "slumber-song," "Air duSommeil.
The Mute Girl of Portici [or La muette de Portici; or The Dumb Girl of Portici; or Masaniello until it is read]