Padmâvatî (opera)

"Padmâvatî" is an opera in two acts by the French composer Albert Roussel. The libretto, by Louis Laloy, is based on Théodore-Marie Pavie's "La légende de Padmanî, reine de Tchitor", which retells the legend recounted in Malik Muhammad Jayasi's poem "Padmavat" (1540). It was first performed at the Paris Opéra on June 1 1923. Roussel styled the work an opera-ballet and there are many dance numbers and opportunities for spectacle. The composer was inspired by his visit to the ruined city of Chittor in Rajastan and he incorporated many features of Indian music into the score.

Roles

ynopsis

Place: Chittor, India
Time: around 1300

Act One

The Mongol sultan Alaouddin is besieging the city of Chitor. He comes to its ruler, Ratan-Sen, asking for peace negotiations. Ratan-Sen shows him around the city. Alaouddin also asks to be granted a glimpse of Ratan-Sen's wife, Padmâvatî, who is legendary for her beauty. Ratan-Sen reluctantly agrees. Alaouddin refuses to make peace unless Padmâvatî is handed over to him.

Act Two

The Mongols attack the city and Padmâvatî and the wounded Ratan-Sen take refuge in the temple of Siva. Ratan-Sen tells his wife that the people will be massacred unless she gives herself to Alaouddin. Ratan-Sen is stoned to death, and Pamavati joins him on his funeral pyre rather than giving herself to Alaouddin.

Recordings

*"Padmâvatî" Marilyn Horne, Nicolai Gedda, Jane Berbié, José van Dam, Marc Vento, Toulouse Capitole Orchestra, conducted by Michel Plasson (EMI)

ources

*"The Viking Opera Guide" ed. Holden (Viking, 1993)
* [http://www.delteatro.it/dizionario_dell_opera/p/padmavati.php Del Teatro (in Italian)]
* [http://www.amadeusonline.net/almanacco.php?Start=0&Giorno=1&Mese=06&Anno=1923&Giornata=&Testo=&Parola=Stringa Amadeus Online]
*"The Oxford Illustrated History of Opera" ed. Parker (OUP, 1994)