Located in the UK
Located in the USA
Located in Europe
- Gabriel Fauré
Pénélope (1913)
- Heugel (World)
- 2+pic2+ca2+bcl2+cbn/4331/timp.2perc/2hp/str
- SATB
- 6S, 2Mz, 2T, 3Bar, B
- 2 hr
- René Fauchois
- French
Programme Note
Pénelope’s libretto, by René Fauchois, is based on Homer's Odyssey. It was first performed at Salle Garnier, Monte Carlo on 4 March 1913, the piece is dedicated to Camille Saint-Saëns.
Penelope has been waiting for ten years for the return of her husband, Ulysses. In the meantime, she has been besieged by suitors for her hand in marriage. She promises she will choose between them once she has finishing weaving a shroud for her father-in-law, Laertes. Ulysses arrives at the palace disguised as a beggar and is recognised by Euryclea. The suitors have arranged Penelope's wedding in the palace hall. She tells them that they must decide which one will win her hand by holding a competition to see who can draw Ulysses' bow, not one of them succeeds. Finally, Ulysses and Penelope are happily reunited.
Penelope has been waiting for ten years for the return of her husband, Ulysses. In the meantime, she has been besieged by suitors for her hand in marriage. She promises she will choose between them once she has finishing weaving a shroud for her father-in-law, Laertes. Ulysses arrives at the palace disguised as a beggar and is recognised by Euryclea. The suitors have arranged Penelope's wedding in the palace hall. She tells them that they must decide which one will win her hand by holding a competition to see who can draw Ulysses' bow, not one of them succeeds. Finally, Ulysses and Penelope are happily reunited.