Giacomo Meyerbeer – LE PROPHÈTE – The Cathedral Scene (Act IV Finale)

LE PROPHÈTE Opéra en 5 actes Composer: Giacomo Meyerbeer (1791–1864) Libretto: Eugène Scribe First performance: Salle Le Peletier, 16 April 1849 SETTING: Dordrecht, Holland, and Munster, 1534–35, at the time of the Anabaptist revolution PLOT: The ‘prophet’ of the title is Jean de Leyde, a tailor, who becomes leader of the Anabaptists and captures Münster. Jean is motivated by revenge against the Comte d’Oberthal, who imprisons Jean’s mother Fidès and fiancée Berthe, the Count’s vassal, but commits crime after crime and ends by declaring himself the son of God. Fidès, whom he publicly repudiated, persuades him to renounce his titles; Berthe kills herself when she learns that Jean is the murderous prophet; and Jean blows himself up with his enemies and his mother. No. 24 – Marche du Sacre No. 25 – Final A. Prière et Imprécation : ‘Domine salvum fac regem’ B. Chœur d’enfants et Chœur general: ‘Le voilà le roi prophète’ C. Couplets et morceau d’ensemble: ‘Je suis, hélas, je suis la pauvre femme’ D. L’Exorcis