Music from Rossini’s Opera “Moses in Egypt” by Charles Goun
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Music from Rossini’s Opera “Moses in Egypt” by Charles Gounod.
Rossini’s Opera “Moses in Egypt”
Music from Rossini’s Opera “Moses in Egypt” by Charles Gounod is some of the most beautiful and evocative music ever written. The overture is one of the most famous pieces of music from the entire opera, and it is easy to see why. The music is incredibly moving, and it tells the story of the Exodus from Egypt in a very powerful way.
History of the opera
“Moses in Egypt” is an opera in four acts by Gioachino Rossini to an Italian libretto by Aaron Hill. The opera was first performed in February 1818 at the Teatro San Carlo, Naples.
The story is based on the biblical account of the Exodus, specifically the freeing of the Israelites from bondage in Egypt as related in Exodus 7-12.
The music was praised by Rossini’s contemporaries. The opera was successful enough to be staged throughout Italy and internationally. “Moses in Egypt” remained popular into the 20th century and beyond, seeing regular revivals.
Plot of the opera
The opera starts with the Israelites toiling as slaves in Egypt. Moses is leading them, but he is troubled by the dream in which he saw a burning bush. He is comforted by his wife Tarena, who urges him to continue leading his people.
The next scene shows Pharaoh’s palace, where the Egyptian king is being entertained by his courtiers. Pharaoh’s daughter Elcia comes in, and she and her attendants dance for him. She is attracted to Moses, but when she tries to approach him, he rebukes her.
Elcia goes to her father and asks him to have Moses killed, but Pharaoh instead sends for Moses and offers him a position in his court. When Moses refuses, Pharaoh has him thrown into prison.
Tarena visits Moses in prison and tells him that the Israelites are planning to rebel. She urges him to lead them, but he again refuses.
The next scene shows the Israelites preparing for their uprising. They are joined by Moses, who has been freed from prison by Tarena. He leads them in a march toward the Red Sea.
The final scene shows the Israelites crossing the Red Sea on dry land, while the Egyptians pursuing them are drowned. Moses thanks God for their deliverance and promises to lead his people to freedom.
Music from the opera
One of the most popular operas during the early 1800s was Rossini’s Opera “Moses in Egypt”. This opera was known for its catchy tunes and beautiful arias. The music from this opera has been performed by many orchestras and choirs over the years.
“Moses in Egypt” by Charles Goun
Charles Gounod’s opera “Moses in Egypt” is a work of biblical proportions. Based on the Old Testament story of the Exodus, the opera follows the trials and tribulations of the Israelites as they flee from slavery in Egypt. Along the way, they are pursued by the fearsome Pharaoh’s army, led by the ruthless General Ramses. But Moses, with the help of his staff and the power of God, manages to guide his people to safety.
“Moses in Egypt” is a grand opera in five acts, with music by Charles Gounod and libretto by Eugène Scribe and Émile Deschamps. It was first performed at the Salle Le Peletier of the Paris Opera on March 5, 1827. The opera was not a success at its premiere and was soon forgotten. It was not until 1986 that it was revived for a production at La Scala in Milan.
The music of “Moses in Egypt” is characterized by its grandiose scale and sweeping melodies. The opera opens with a rousing chorus that sets the stage for the epic journey to come. Throughout the work, Gounod sprinkles in a few lighthearted moments, such as when Moses’ wife Tzipporah sings a playful song about her husband’s Libyan origins. But for the most part, “Moses in Egypt” is a serious and solemn work, befitting its subject matter.
If you’re looking for some dramatic and emotional music from an opera, look no further than “Moses in Egypt.”
“The Act of God” by Rossini
The music from Rossini’s opera “Moses in Egypt” by Charles Goun is some of the most moving and beautiful ever written. The aria “The Act of God” is a perfect example of this. The music is so powerful and emotionally charged that it can bring tears to the eyes of even the most stoic listener.
“Moses’ Farewell to Egypt” by Rossini
“Moses’ Farewell to Egypt” is a beautiful and moving duet from Rossini’s opera “Moses in Egypt”. It is sung by the characters Moses and Aaron, as they bid farewell to the land of their captivity and prepare to lead the Hebrew people to freedom. The music is both stirring and emotional, depicting the two men’s determination and resolve amidst the trials they know they will face. This duet is one of the most memorable and popular moments from Rossini’s opera, and its popularity has only increased in recent years thanks to its inclusion in the film “The Ten Commandments”.
Conclusion
In conclusion, music from Rossini’s Opera “Moses in Egypt” by Charles Goun is a great classical piece that is perfect for any music lover. The piece has a great story and is very moving. The music is also very catchy and will have you humming along in no time.
