David et Jonathas
| Work data | |
|---|---|
| Title: | David et Jonathas |
| Original language: | French |
| Music: | Marc-Antoine Charpentier |
| Libretto : | François de Paule Bretonneau |
| Premiere: | February 28, 1688 |
| Place of premiere: | Collège Louis-le-Grand , Paris |
| people | |
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In the prologue:
In tragedy:
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David et Jonathas (German David und Jonatan / Jonathan ; H. 490) is a biblical opera in five acts and a prologue by Marc-Antoine Charpentier based on a libretto by Father François de Paule Bretonneau.
Despite its size, the work was originally not intended for a stand-alone performance, but rather as an intermède for the tragedy Saül in Latin by Father Étienne Chamillard, the five acts of which were recited as a spoken piece alternating with the five acts of the opera. The textual basis of both works can be found in the first book of Samuel .
The first performance took place on February 28, 1688 at the Collège Louis-le-Grand in Paris, a Jesuit school. The piece was repeated at various other Jesuit schools until at least the middle of the 18th century.
action
prolog
Saul goes to the necromancer in disguise because Heaven has not given him any information about the outcome of the upcoming battle against the Philistines. The necromancer invokes the spirit of Samuel for him. When the shadow appears, she is startled because she thinks he is a god. The shadow prophesies that Saul will lose children, friends, honor and the crown.
first act
After defeating the Amalekites, David moves into the Philistine camp and is celebrated as a hero. Achis receives him and tells him that he wants to negotiate war and peace with Saul here.
Second act
Joabel, jealous of David, tries to persuade him to take part in the battle. But David prefers peace. David and Jonathan come together and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Third act
Convinced by Joabel's accusations, Saul suspects David as a conspirator who is after his life and throne. Achis is amazed that Saul wanted to overthrow David, although he had previously shown him so much favor and although David was always loyal to him.
Saul accuses David of laying down his arms even though the Israelites are victorious. Before Jonathan he accuses him of conspiracy, but David asserts that he only ever fought for Saul. When David withdraws, Saul pursues him. Joabel is happy that his revenge has been successful.
Fourth act
David and Jonathan complain that they may have to fight each other. The Israelites and the Philistines want battle, and Jonathan is torn between his duty to his father and his love for David. Saul now also wants war because he sees Achis as the protector of his enemy David.
Fifth act
In the battle, Saul finds Jonathan, who has been fatally wounded. He is kindled in hatred of David, whom he blames. When he attacks a soldier whom he takes to be David, he is held back. David comes with the victorious Philistines, and Jonathan dies in his hands. Saul threw himself at the sword. He tries again to strike at David, but falls back and dies. Joabel also died in the battle. David learns from Achis that he is the new king of Israel.