''Fair Rosamond'' is an English historical

opera Opera is a form of theatre in which music is a fundamental component and dramatic roles are taken by singers. Such a "work" (the literal translation of the Italian word "opera") is typically a collaboration between a composer and a librett ...

in four acts composed by

John Barnett John is a common English name and surname: * John (given name) * John (surname) John may also refer to: New Testament Works * Gospel of John, a title often shortened to John * First Epistle of John, often shortened to 1 John * Second E ...

, written in 1837 to a

libretto A libretto (Italian for "booklet") is the text used in, or intended for, an extended musical work such as an opera, operetta, masque, oratorio, cantata or Musical theatre, musical. The term ''libretto'' is also sometimes used to refer to the t ...

by Charles Zachary Barnett, after the legend of

Rosamund Clifford Rosamund Clifford (before 1150 – ), often called "The Fair Rosamund" or "Rose of the World" (Latin: ''rosa mundi''), was a medieval English noblewoman and mistress of Henry II, King of England, who became famous in English folklore. Life ...

("Fair Rosamond" or the "Rose of the World"), the 12th century mistress of King Henry II who was said to have been poisoned by the King's wife, Queen Eleanor. In his opera, Barnett effects a happier ending. The

premiere A première, also spelled premiere, is the debut (first public presentation) of a play, film, dance, or musical composition. A work will often have many premières: a world première (the first time it is shown anywhere in the world), its first ...

was February 28, 1837 at the Drury Lane Theater,

London London is the capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom, with a population of just under 9 million. It stands on the River Thames in south-east England at the head of a estuary down to the North Sea, and has been a majo ...

. It ran for 50 performances. Critics were generally appreciative of the composition and Barnett's attempts to build an English grand opera, but complained of slow pacing in the libretto.

Synopsis

The scene is England, 1154-5. Act I opens in the home of Lord Clifford, who is with his daughter Rosamond, and her fiance Aubrey de Vere. They are paid a visit by a troubadour named Edgar, who is actually King Henry II in disguise. Lord Clifford is wary, de Vere is jealous, and Rosamond is entranced. Everyone dances. Rosamond runs off with Edgar. As Act II opens, Queen Eleanor is singing a song of farewell to her native France ("The lily no longer my brow must bind"). Rosamond has fled with Henry to a woodsman's hut, where her father, de Vere, and others catch up with them. Everyone fights. At that moment, Queen Eleanor arrives with her guard. As she tries to calm the dispute, she questions Edgar, but does not recognize him as King Henry. "Edgar" suggests that the disputing parties submit their appeals to King Henry at a later date. Eleanor agrees. Act III opens with a song of longing by de Vere, while all the parties gather for the coronation in Westminster. When Rosamond is introduced to the King, she recognizes him, and Eleanor suddenly realizes Henry is Edgar. Rosamond sings "Wild My Brain to Phrenzy Driven", and all parties take turns singing "Sounds of Discord Fill the Air". Act IV takes place in Rosamond's Bower, which is not like the maze of legend, but is represented as a garden pavilion here. Rosamond and Henry take turns singing ballads of longing, there is an interlude for a ballet, and a five-part Madgrigal is sung ("Merrily Wake Music's Measure"). Henry has to leave for royal responsibilities, after which de Clifford, de Vere, and others arrive to beg Rosamond to leave before the Queen can harm her. The all leave to catch Henry to ask him to return to protect Rosamond. When they are gone, Queen Eleanor arrives and offers Rosamond a choice - death by dagger or death by poison. Rosamond begs for her life, and stalls, until suddenly the King appears. He has sharp words with Eleanor until Rosamond begs him to forgive the queen. "Her pardon, sire, let me implore - and then farewell, we meet no more". Henry agrees.

Roles

* King Henry II, disguised as Edgar, a Troubador * Walter, Lord de Clifford *

Eleanor of Aquitaine Eleanor ( – 1 April 1204; french: Aliénor d'Aquitaine, ) was Queen of France from 1137 to 1152 as the wife of King Louis VII, Queen of England from 1154 to 1189 as the wife of King Henry II, and Duchess of Aquitaine in her own right from ...

, Queen of England * Rosamond, daughter of Lord de Clifford * Sir Aubrey de Vere, betrothed to Rosamond

Performances

There are no current records of modern performances at Operabase.com.

References

{{Reflist

External links

Libretto, Fair Rosamond

Score, "Merrily Make Music's Measure", a Madrigal in Five Parts, by John Barnett
English-language operas Operas Operas by John Barnett 1837 operas Operas set in England