Overview
Introduction
Sapho is a 3-act opera by Charles Gounod to a libretto by Émile Augier which was premiered by the Paris Opera at the Salle Le Peletier on 16 April 1851. It was presented only 9 times in its initial production, but was a succès d'estime for the young composer, with the critics praising Act 3 in particular. It was later revived in 2-act (1858) and 4-act (1884) versions, achieving a total of 48 performances.
Roles
| Role | Voice type | Premiere Cast, 16 April 1851 (Conductor: Narcisse Girard) |
Revised version, 2 April 1884 (Conductor: Charles Gounod) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sapho | mezzo-soprano | Pauline Viardot | Gabrielle Krauss |
| Glycère | mezzo-soprano | Anne Poinsot | Alphonsine Richard |
| Œnone | mezzo-soprano | Dumesnil | |
| Phaon | tenor | Louis Guéymard | Étienne Dereims |
| Pythéas | bass | Hippolyte Brémond | Pedro Gailhard |
| Alcée | baritone | Mécène Marié de l'Isle | Léon Melchissédec |
| Pittacus | bass | — | Pol Plançon |
| Cynégire | bass | Lambert | |
| Cratés | tenor | Girard | |
| Agathon | tenor | Sapin | |
| High Priest | bass | Alexis Prévost | Palianti |
| A shepherd | tenor | Aimes | Piroia |
| People, young people, conspirators | |||
Synopsis
The story of the opera is based on the legends of the Greek poet Sappho, her love for Phaon and her suicide.
- Place: Olympic Games and on the isle of Lesbos
- Time: 6th century BC
Act 1
The Olympic games
Phaon is torn in love between the poet Sapho and the courtesan Glycère, and is teased by Pythéas. Sapho wins the poetry competition from Alcée. Phaon declares his devotion to her.
Act 2
Phaon's villa
Phaon is involved in a revolutionary plot to establish freedom and justice. Pythéas agrees to supply details of the plot to Glycère in return for her favours. Glycère secretly informs the authorities, but deceitfully tells Sapho she will not inform if Phaon leaves Lesbos without Sapho. Phaon arranges to leave Lesbos, Sapho maintaining that she will not accompany him. Her inflexibility causes Phaon to turn to Glycère.
Act 3
A windswept beach with the setting sun
Phaon, Glycère and the conspirators bid farewell to their country. Sapho has come to bid them farewell but Phaon curses her. Nonetheless she forgives and blesses Phaon, and then commits suicide by leaping into the ocean.
