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Lakmé is an opera in three acts by Léo Delibes to a French libretto by Edmond Gondinet and Philippe Gille, based on the novel Rarahu ou Le Mariage de Loti by Pierre Loti. First performance: Opéra Comique, Paris, 1883.
The story concerns a girl Lakmé who lives in India with her father. She falls in love with a British man in the military service and consequently displeases her father.
The most famous music from the opera is the beautiful Flower Duet which was heard by millions when British Airways selected it for their commercials. Lakmé is part of the standard operatic repertoire. There are several recordings of it, and it is occasionally performed.
Characters
- Principal roles
- Minor roles
- Frédéric - Baritone or Bass
- Mallika - Mezzo-soprano
- Hadji - Tenor
- Ellen - Soprano
- Rose - Soprano
- Mrs. Benson - Mezzo-soprano
- Other
- Fortune teller - Tenor
- Pick pocket - Baritone
- Chinese merchant - Tenor
- Six sailors - Basses
- Officers, ladies, merchants, Brahmins, musicians - Chorus
Noted arias
- "Où va la jeuene Hindoue?"/Bell Song (Lamké)
External links
- Recordings (http://www.johnrpierce.com/lakme.html)