Roméo et Juliette
Charles Gounod (1818-1893)
Drame lyrique in 5 acts
Libretto by Jules Barbier and Michel Carré
after the tragedy by William Shakespeare
In French with German and English surtitles. Duration approx. 2 H. 40 Min. incl. intermission after 1st part after approx. 1 H. 30 Min. Introduction 45 min before the performance.
Introductory matinee on March 26 2023.
Official Timepiece Opernhaus Zürich
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Roméo et Juliette
Abstract
Roméo et Juliette
Juliette kisses Romeo’s lifeless form one final time, and then stabs herself. In Shakespeare’s original version, the most famous lovers in theatrical history don’t have the chance to say a proper goodbye. The deeply religious French composer Charles Gounod, on the other hand, closes out his opera Roméo et Juliette with a duet. In a lyrical, ecstasy-infused surge, the lovers sing their way to a shared death, which they interpret as redemption. At the end, they ask God for forgiveness. Their final duet is the last of four great duets in this dramme lyrique, which is devoted entirely to the inner dramatic development of this tragic love affair. Roméo et Juliette is Gounod’s second most important work, after Faust, his most successful opera. It premiered during the International Exposition in 1867 in Paris, and was a great success, with a run of more than 100 performances. Thanks to its attractive vocal parts, it still occupies a firm place in 19th century French repertoire.
In this new production for Zurich, we’re presenting a vocal and performing dream couple: soprano Julie Fuchs and tenor Benjamin Bernheim. Both started their careers at the Opernhaus Zürich and now rank among the biggest names in the international opera scene. Both hail from France, and time and again both have returned to the repertoire of their home county. On his first solo album, Benjamin Bernheim proved with Roméo’s aria «Ah! Lève-toi, soleil» that the role of the rapturous young lover suits him well. Julie Fuchs, whose performances epitomize vocal virtuosity, musical intelligence, and a stupendous stage presence, has already appeared in Zurich in a wide range of roles. She’ll now show off her French side with her role debut as Juliette, opening the evening with one of the most well-known arias from the opera, the waltz «Je veux vivre».
American stage director Ted Huffmann returns to the Opernhaus Zürich to bring this romantic tragedy vividly to the stage, following his production of Puccini's Madama Butterfly.
Throwback with Julie Fuchs & Benjamin Bernheim
What has influenced you in your early days at the Zurich Opera House? What was your best moment in Zurich and your biggest moment of crisis? For you personally, what is special about Zurich and the Opera House? In this video, Julie Fuchs and Benjamin Bernheim are going down memory lane to where their careers began: at the Zurich Opera House!
Roméo et Juliette
Synopsis
Roméo et Juliette
Act One
A ball at the Capulets'. The host opens the party and presents his daughter Juliette. Members of the Montagues, who are enemies of the Capulets, are secretly also at the ball. Roméo is tormented by dark premonitions. His friend Mercutio tries to cheer him up. Roméo sees Juliette for the first time and falls in love. Juliette, who is cared for by her nurse Gertrude, dreams of a happy future. Roméo and Juliette meet and kiss. Tybalt joins them and recognises the voice of Roméo, who quickly hides. Roméo and Juliette realise that their love is impossible. The Capulets have become aware of the Montagues’ presence. When the situation threatens to escalate, the Montagues leave the ball.
Act Two
Under the cover of night, Roméo, full of hope, awaits Juliette. The two meet and reaffirm their love. They want to renounce the names of their hostile fathers. When they are interrupted by Capulets searching for enemy men, Roméo hides. Reunited with her lover, Juliette agrees to marry him if he truly loves her. The two delay parting.
Act Three
Roméo confesses his love for Juliette to Friar Laurent. His lover appears and the friar agrees to marry them.
In search of his friend Roméo, the young Stéphano goads the Capulets. A scuffle ensues with Grégorio. Mercutio wants to protect Stéphano. Roméo intervenes and is insulted by Tybalt. When Roméo does not respond with violence, Mercutio fights Tybalt and is killed. Filled with pain over this loss, Roméo takes revenge and kills Tybalt. The Prince banishes Roméo and calls on the enemy houses to make peace.
Act Four
As day gradually dawns, Roméo and Juliette are united on their wedding night. As the groom finally takes his leave, Gertrude announces the arrival of Juliette's father. Followed by Father Laurent, Capulet tells his daughter that she is to marry Pâris. Juliette turns to the Friar in despair. He gives her a potion to make her sink into a death-like sleep until Roméo returns. Plagued by wild delusions, Juliette convinces herself to take the potion. Juliette's father finds his daughter, who collapses as if dead.
Act Five
Roméo appears at the grave of Juliette, whom he believes to be dead. He kisses her one last time and drinks poison. Juliette awakens. For a moment, the lovers believe they can escape and live together. When Juliette learns that Roméo has drunk poison, she stabs herself. Before they die, they ask God for forgiveness.
