Jules Massenet Opera Hérodiade
Plot Synopsis and Character Description of a French Tragic Drama
Nov 29, 2008
Jules Massenet (May 12, 1842 – August 13, 1912) composed Hérodiade, a four-act tragic drama. Libretto was written by Paul Milliet and Henri Grémont (Georges) Hartmann, based on "Hérodias" (1877) by Gustave Flaubert.
Hérodiade was premiered in Brussels, Theatre de la Monnaie, December 19, 1881. The setting is in Jerusalem circa 30 AD.
Notable arias:"Vision fugitive" (Hérode), and "Il est doux, il est bon" (Salomé).
Hérodiade is a high point in Jules Massenet's musical career although his greatest success is Manon. This opera is a different version from Oscar Wilde's Salomé made into opera by Richard Strauss. Here, Salomé as a child was deserted by Hérodiade, her mother.
Herod took Hérodiade, the wife of his brother, but now, Herod is lusting for Salome. He is not aware that she is Herodiade's daughter. Salome is in love with John the Baptist. Unlike Wilde's Salome, here, she is a good girl torn between affection and hatred for her mother's desertion; she also wants to die in the prophet's behalf instead of asking for his head.
Character Roles
- Phanuel, Chaldean astrologer (bass)
- Salomé, Loves John the Baptist, Daughter of Herodias (soprano)
- Hérode, Herod (baritone)
- Hérodiade, Herod's wife and Salomé's mother (mezzo soprano)
- John the Baptist, The prophet (tenor)
- Young Babylonian (soprano)
- Vitellius, Roman proconsul (baritone)
- High Priest (baritone)
Plot Summary / Synopsis
Act I.Scene: Courtyard in Hérode's Palace in Jerusalem
Merchants and slaves bring their wares to Jerusalem. Phanuel loves Salomé, who was sent away by her mother, Hérodiade, upon marriage to King Hérode. Salomé loves John the Baptist.
Hérode loves Salome.
The prophet John the Baptist reprimands Hérodiade, for her relationship with Hérode, her brother-in-law. She is insulted and wants revenge to John. Hérode refuses, knowing that John has a large following.
Salomé admits her love for the prophet. He gently reproves her.
Act II
Scene 1. Hérode's Chamber
Slaves dance for Hérode. A young Babylonian gives Hérode wine that brings visions of his beloved Salomé.
Scene 2. Hérode's Chamber
Hérode asks Phanuel how he can rid himself of his obsession with Salomé, but Phanuel is more concerned about the revolt brewing among Hérode's subjects.
Scene 3. The Palace
Hérode announces his intention to overthrow Jerusalem's Roman masters. Vitellius, the Roman consul, arrives, squelching the revolt. He agrees to let the Israelites reopen the temple.
Act III
Scene 1. Phanuel's Home
Phanuel wonders if John is mortal or divine. Hérodiade consults Phanuel, who foretells blood and suffering to come. The queen does not realize Salomé is her daughter.
Scene 2 – 5. The Temple
Salomé calls on God to save John.
Now that Hérode has taken control of the kingdom, he intends to free John. He declares his love to Salomé, but she rejects him.
The high priest presides over the sacred rites and dances.
The priest demands that Vitellius condemn John, but he leaves them to judge their own. Hérode is about to free John, when Salomé asks to die for her beloved John. Hérode gets furious and condemns them both.
Act IV
Scene 1. A Subterranean Vault
John the Baptist admits he loves Salomé. He continuously pray in earnest to be freed of her love which disturbs his soul.
Scene 2 – 3. A Great Hall in the Palace
In the palace, the Roman soldiers enjoy their victory.
Salomé begs Hérodiade for John's life. The queen finally recognizes her daughter, but it is too late to save John; he has been executed. Salomé kills herself.
Source:
Martin, Nicholas Ivor. The Da Capo Opera Manual. New York: Da Capo Press, 1997
