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Le Prophèteby Giacomo Meyerbeer (1791-1864)ACT I.Dordrecht, Holland. Outside Count Oberthal's castle, peasants and millers rejoice in the fine weather. Berthe, a young orphan has her own reasons for rejoicing. Fidès mother of Jean has come from Leyden to take her son's betrothed home with her but Berthe, as a vassal, cannot leave without the Count's consent. Meanwhile three Anabaptists.- Zacharie, Jonas and Mathiesen arrive. They are leaders of a revolt in nearby Westphalia and have come to foment further insurrection. The mere appearance of the Count, however, suffices to intimidate the peasants Berthe asks his permission to marry Jean. Struck by her beauty the Count refuses When everyone expresses indignation at this decision, he has his soldiers arrest both Berthe and Fidès ACT 2.Jean's Inn, Leyden. Some villagers are dancing and a soldier offers them beer. Jean is concerned, for night is falling and his mother has not yet come back. The Anabaptists arrive and, seeing Jean, are struck by his resemblance to an image of King David in Münster Cathedral. Jean narrates a dream he has had in which he wore a crown before a prostrate throng The Anabaptists, planning to exploit him insist the dream is a prophecy: he will, indeed reign. He must follow them. Jean, whose thoughts are all of Berthe, dismisses them. Berthe having escaped the tyrant's clutches arrives at that moment. Jean hides her. Oberthal comes in with his soldiers and with prisoner, Fidès. Jean has to choose between his mother whose life is threatened, and Berthe. He sacrifices his betrothed, and his mother calls upon God to bless her son for his cruel suffering. The three Anabaptists reappear, and Jean goes off with them saying nothing to his mother, who must not know their plan. ACT 3.Scene 1The Anabaptists have set up their camp near Münster in Westphalia. The fighting forces bring in prisoners, and the leaders reveal their bloodthirsty nature. On the frozen lake there is skating. Provi sions arrive; the weary soldiers refresh themselves. Scene 2Zacharie's tent. With Mathiesen, Zacharie plans a night time attack. Oberthal appears, pretending to want to join the Anabaptists’ ranks (in reality trying to reach Münster). The Anabaptists make him swear to hang Oberthal (i.e. himself). When his identity is revealed Zacharie sentences him to death on the spot. After Oberthal is led away, Jean tired of the life he is leading as a Prophet/figurehead for the revolt, enters. He is anxious to see his mother. Oberthal, brought back in, tells Jean that, to save her honour, Berthe has flung herself from the castle's battlements into the river but was saved and is apparently in Münster. Jean demands that Oberthal's life be spared: Berthe will decide the villain's fate. Now Münster must be taken. Scene 3The camp. The rebels are restive, ready to turn against Jean. He rallies them once more, and they sing a Hymn of Triumph. As if in a miracle, the fog which has hung over the lake and the forest, clears. Münster can be seen in the distance. ACT 4.Scene 1The square in Münster, now occupied by the Anabaptists. The rich burghers are forced to surrender their treasures and to curry the rebels' favour. Fidès arrives, now a beggar. She believes her son dead. She meets Berthe, tells her of Jean's death and blames it on the Prophet. Berthe vows revenge. Scene 2In Münster Cathedral. All hail the Prophet, who is now to be crowned King. Fidès follows the crowd into the church but recognises her son only after the ceremony is finished. Before the multitude she calls to him and claims to be his mother. This is blasphemy to the Prophet's followers, who are ready to kill the old woman. Jean stops them. Fidès realises that to insist in her claim would spell ruin for Jean. She denies he is her son, making it look as if he had miraculously restored her reason. The people are more enthralled than ever. Fidès remembers Berthe's murderous intentions. ACT 5.Scene 1A cellar-dungeon in the Palace. The Anabaptist leaders have decided to betray Jean to the German Emperor, who is marching on Münster. As they leave, Fidès is brought in, a prisoner once more. She is prepared for death, but Jean enters, asks her forgiveness, and they are reconciled. Berthe appears, a torch in hand. The cellar is also a powder magazine, and she intends to blow it up when the Prophet and his followers are banqueting in the great hall above. She recognises Jean (unaware that he is the Prophet) and is beside herself with joy. But when she learns his identity, aghast, she stabs herself and dies. Jean, who was prepared to go off with her and his mother, now determines to remain. He will kill the wicked Anabaptists and himself with them. Scene 2The Banquet Hall. Jean singing a drinking song, pretends to join in the bacchanal. When all his enemies are present, the flames begin to rise. Fidès has somehow managed to join him. They sing of heavenly release as the powder explodes and the palace collapses. |
Giacomo Meyerbeer |
