Puccini Opera Manon Lescaut
Plot Synopsis and Character Description of an Italian Lyric Drama
Giacomo Puccini (December 22, 1858 – November 29, 1924) composed Manon Lescaut, a four-act Italian lyric drama. Libretto was written by Giuseppe Giacosa, Domenico Oliva, Giulio Ricordi and Luigi Illica, based on the novel by the Abbé Antoine-Francois Prévost. It was premiered in Turin, Teatro Regio, February 1, 1893. The setting is in France and America in the second half of the 18th century,
Notable arias: "Donna non vidi mai" (Des Grieux), "In quelle trine morbide" (Manon) and "Sola, perduta, abbandonata" (Manon)
This opera by Puccini, Manon Lescaut, is the earliest of his works. It is a deliberate challenge to Massenet's Manon of the same subject. Although it's been suggested by some critics that Massenet's version was more favored, Puccini's Manon was an instant success that time, and already, he was showing his stle's characteristic features.
Character Roles of Puccini's Manon Lescaut
- Manon Lescaut (Soprano)
- Lescaut, Her brother, Sergeant of King's Guard (Baritone)
- Cavalier des Grieux, A student (Tenor)
- Geronte di Ravoir, Treasurer General (Bass)
- Edmondo, A Student (Tenor)
- Inkeeper (Bass)
- Singer (Mezzo soprano)
- Dancing Master (Tenor)
- Sergeant of the Royal Archers (Bass)
- Lamp Lighter (Tenor)
- Naval Captain (Bass)
- Hairdresser (silent)
Plot Summary / Synopses of Manon Lescaut
Act I. Square Near the Paris Gate at Amiens
Edmondo and the other students, wonder if Des Grieux is in love. The coach from Arras arrives carrying Lescaut, his sister Manon and Geronte. While Lescaut makes arrangements with the innkeeper, Manon is approached by Des Grieux. She is being sent to a convent by her father. Des Grieux persuaded her to see him later.
Lescaut, confiding in Geronte that he disagrees with the decision to make Manon a nun, sits down with the students to play cards. Meanwhile, Geronte arranges for a carriage but is overheard by Edmondo that he plans to abduct Manon for himself. Edmondo warns Des Grieux, who quickly persuades Manon to go with him instead, in Geronte's carriage. The frantic Geronte is assured by Lescaut that Manon is used to comfort and she will only be too glad to have Geronte when Des Grieux runs out of money.
Act II. Elegant Room in Geronte's House in Paris
Manon has moved into Geronte's Paris home, and having her hair done. Lescaut compliments her on her desertion of the penniless Des Grieux, but Manon misses him. A group of singers bore the siblings with Geronte's latest composition while the dancing master gives Manon a lesson.
Geronte's friends visit Manon and after they left, Des Grieux appears, angry with Manon. She wins him over, but their love is interrupted by Geronte who catches them, enraged by her ingratitude. While the lovers are laying their plans, Lescaut warns them that Geronte has denounced them. Manon is arrested for immorality.
Act III. Square Near the Harbor in Le Havre
(Intermezzo. Unable to secure Manon's release, Des Grieux decides to follow her into exile.)
At the port of Le Havre, Lescaut and Des Grieux bribe a guard to release Manon, but the attempted jail break fails. The women are shipped for America. Des Grieux begs the captain to take him along and the captain reluctantly agrees.
Act IV. Wide Dry Plain on the Borders of New Orleans
In America, Manon and Des Grieux find themselves on a vast dry plain of New Orleans' borders. They struggle from exhaustion but there's no help available. Manon dies. Des Grieux falls limp over her dead body.
Sources:
Concise Guide to Opera, Penguin, London, 2005
Martin, Nicholas Ivor.The Da Capo Opera Manual. New York: Da Capo, 1997
Riding, Alan and L.D. Downer. Opera. London: Dorling Kindersley, 2006
Puccini Opera Manon Lescaut
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Puccini Opera Manon Lescaut Costume Act II
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Giacomo Puccini, Italian Composer
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