Cinq-Mars (Gounod)

"Cinq-Mars", subtitled "(Une conjuration sous Louis XIII)", is an opera in four acts by Charles Gounod to a libretto by Paul Poirson & Louis Gallet loosely adapted from Alfred de Vigny's historical novel. It was first performed at the Opéra-Comique on April 5, 1877.

The work's reception was luke warm: "If [it] adds nothing to the glory of Gounod, neither does it diminish it." [La Comedie no. 18; cited in Steven Huebner: The Operas of Gounod, p.92] Some critics seized on the straddling of the genres of grand opéra and opéra comique; a second edition (Léon Grus, n.d.) contains recitatives for the very few spoken scenes as well as an act III cantabile for de Thou written for the La Scala production.

Roles

Brief synopsis

The plot faithfully follows the external events of failed revolt of the French nobility against Richelieu's consolidation of power, but supplies a secret love affair between Cinq-Mars and a princess. Whereas de Vigny's character yearned to become her social equal, the opera's hero enters politics only on learning of a planned marriage between Marie and the king of Poland. After the conspiracy is discovered, she is given a chance to save him by agreeing to the match, but her sacrifice is in vain: before their escape plans can be put into effect, the hour of execution is suddenly moved forward.

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