Grisélidis

Grisélidis is an opera in three acts and a prologue by Jules Massenet to a French libretto by Armand Sylvestre and Eugène Morand. It is based on the play by the same authors, which itself is drawn from medieval tales. It was first performed at the Opéra-Comique in Paris on November 20, 1901, with Lucienne Bréval in the title role.

The story concerns the shepherdess, Grisélidis, and a number of attempts by the Devil to lure her into infidelity. Grisélidis' loyalty to her husband, The Marquis, is strong, however, and the devil is vanquished.

The piece enjoyed a brief popularity in its day but is not part of the current operatic repertoire and is rarely performed. Fortunately, two great French tenors of the first part of the 20th Century, Charles Dalmores and Louis Cazette, recorded arias from the opera in 1912 and 1922 repectively. These superlative performances are available on CD. They are essential reference points for connoisseurs of Massenet's music and the authentic manner of singing his works.

Noted arias

*Act I - Alain: "Je suis l'oiseau"
*Act III - Grisélidis: "Loÿs! Loÿs!"

References

*cite book |title=The Standard Opera Guide |last=Upton |first=George P. |coauthors=Borowski, Felix |year=1928 |publisher=Blue Ribbon Books |location=New York |pages=183-85
* [http://www.bobsuniverse.com/BWJM/Works/operas/15Griselidis/Griselidis.htm "Grisélidis" at Bob's Universe]