Grand Opera: Spectacle and Democracy

The Meyerbeer Phenomenon

Grand opera emerged as the 19th century's multimedia spectacle, combining music, drama, dance, and scenic effects for the newly wealthy bourgeoisie. The Opéra de Paris, rebuilt after fire in 1821, became Europe's most prestigious venue.

Giacomo Meyerbeer (1791-1864), though German-born, perfected French grand opera. His works with librettist Eugène Scribe established the formula: - Five acts with ballet - Historical subjects with contemporary relevance - Spectacular scenic effects - Strong contrasts between public and private scenes - Integration of chorus as dramatic participant

His masterpieces dominated international repertoire: - "Robert le diable" (1831): Medieval gothic with dancing nuns - "Les Huguenots" (1836): Religious conflict and the St. Bartholomew massacre - "Le Prophète" (1849): Anabaptist revolt with roller-skating ballet - "L'Africaine" (1865): Posthumous premiere featuring exotic locales

French Voices in Grand Opera

Daniel Auber (1782-1871) created lighter works that influenced both grand opera and operetta: - "La Muette de Portici" (1828): Its Brussels performance sparked Belgian independence - "Fra Diavolo" (1830): Brigand romance mixing comedy and drama

Fromental Halévy (1799-1862) brought psychological depth: - "La Juive" (1835): Religious intolerance and tragic father-daughter relationship - Influenced his student Bizet and son-in-law Wagner