Boulanger

Nadia Boulanger, La Ville Morte (1909) Text Writer Gabriele D’Annunzio Publisher Heugel Category Opera and Music Theatre Sub Category Grand Opera Year Composed 1909 Arranger/Editor R. Pugno Duration 1 Hour 30 Minutes Chorus men’s chorus and children’s chorus Language French Soloist S, 2Mz, T, Bar Orchestration 2+pic.2+ca.2+bcl.2 / 3.2.1.0 / timp.perc / hp.cel / str Anne and Hébé talks about Hébé’s concern about her brother’s Léonard’s, condition. Anne reveals her despair and isolation, Hébé reveals her desires to leave Mycenae. Léonard announces that he and his workers have uncovered the tombs of the Atriades. Alexandre attempts to convey his love and desire for Hébé but she refuses. Léonard confesses to Alexandre the secret of his incestuous lust. Anne, mistakenly thinking that Hébé and Alexandre are having an affair, confronts Leonard. Hébé begs Léonard to take her away from Mycenae but Léonard accuses her of lusting for Alexander. Léonard orders Hébé to wait for him at the fountain and kills her. Anne, groping in her blindness, brushes against Hébé’s foot and she exclaims that she can see once again.