William Tell steps in front of Arnold and tries to persuade him into joining a rebellion against the Austrian rulers. However, William Tell, happy to have converted Arnold to his cause, convinces him to wait until after the celebrations and festivities. The 1992 critical edition made a complete Guillaume Tell, even an ur-Tell possible, but still not many companies have performed the work without substantial cuts. Instead, he will fight with Switzerland to avenge his father's execution. Performed for the first time in its original uncut version, this production of Guillaume Tell was the jewel in the crown of the 25-year history of the ‘Rossini in Wildbad’ opera festival. Now the storm breaks, turning the lake into a maelstrom. From offstage the Swiss are heard crying out for arms to free their hero, William Tell. The William Tell Overture is the overture to the opera William Tell (original French title Guillaume Tell), whose music was composed by Gioachino Rossini. La première à Londres eut lieu à Drury Lane en 1830 (en anglais). GESLER (frappé au haut du rocher) J'expire! Melchtal greets Hedwige, and she asks him to bless the newly married couples at the celebration. Overture (Rossini, Gioacchino), Guillaume Tell. Trembling out of fear, Leuthold is fleeing for his life. The general rejoicings are, however, brusquely interrupted when pastor Leuthold runs in, waving the bloody axe with which he has just killed one of Gesler’s soldiers, who had been trying to carry off his daughter. Leuthold has killed one of Governor Gesler's men because he was forcing himself upon Leuthold's daughter. In an old, ruined chapel Arnold tells Mathilde that he wants to avenge his father. ROSSINI: Guillaume Tell. The music is propellingly heroic and romantic in turns, and as always, Rossini shines in ensembles, only that in this one, the solo arias are fully gripping as well. Listen free to Lamberto Gardelli – Rossini: Guillaume Tell (Guillaume Tell: Ouverture (Andante - Allegro - Allegro vivace), Guillaume Tell, Act 1 Scene 1: No. Hoping to meet with Gelser, Hedwige is resolved to beg for her husband's life. Il fut créé le 3 août 1829 à l'Opéra de Paris1. Rossini's final opera Guillaume Tell is a work of tremendous scale and ambition that even today still requires huge musical, singing and stage resources to do real justice to it. The men craft their plans for properly equipping themselves with the most useful weapons as well as when they will make their strike. William sees his house burning in the distance, but Jeremy quickly explains why. The fisherman refuses to ferry him across, and it is William Tell who offers to row him to the opposite bank. He fell in love with her after saving her life in an avalanche, but it is a hopeless passion because of the difference of rank that divides them. Guillaume Tell, together with Semiramide, is easily the best of Rossini's operas, topping even the immensely popular La Cenerentola, Il Barbiere di Sivigli, and Il Vaggio a Reims. “Guillaume Tell” by Gioachino Rossini libretto (French English) Personnages Guillaume Tell (Baryton) Hedwige, son épouse (Mezzo-soprano) Jemmy, leur fils (Soprano) Gessler, gouverneur des cantons de Schwitz et d'Uri (Basse) Mathilde, sœur de Gessler (Soprano) Rodolphe takes notice of Jeremy's devotion to his father. William and Walter question Arnold, asking him how he can love the Austrian woman. However, Mathilde stays behind thinking she has seen Arnold. Guillaume Tell. Because of his commitment to the army, he was unable to stay with Mathilde. Reviews; Explore; Reviews. Jeremy defiantly stays next to his father's side despite William Tell's insistence. William Tell orders Jeremy to stay completely still. He agrees to take Leuthold onto the water. Gesler, unhappy with the celebration, orders his men to put together a group of dancers and singers. However, he tells them that Altdorf still stands. William Tell arrives at the boat dock searching for Arnold, but see's Leuthold trying frantically to escape. (Chorus) and more). Mathilde encourages him to go away, win glory and fame, and come back victoriously to marry her. Misc. His passion for vengeance is re-ignited, and moments later, a large group of rebels meets outside of the house. Rossini’s “Guillaume Tell” (1829), together with Auber’s “Muette de Portici” (1828) and Meyerbeer’s “Robert le diable” (1831), formed the prototype of this new type of magnificent opera based on historicising themes, which combined the artistic genres of … As the clouds part and the bright sun shines on the picturesque scene, the ranz des vaches bellows from the surrounding hills again. His brilliant, brisk style and dizzying vocal numbers had led him to considerable success in Italy. Princess Mathilde knows that Arnold is following her; she loves him, too. If you continue to browse the site, you authorize us to use cookies on your device. The autograph scores are in Paris, at the Conservatoire and at the Opéra. JEMMY et HEDWIGE O jour de délivrance! 76 tracks (231:12). Jeremy and the villagers rejoice, which makes Gesler furious. Mathilde, who has been observing the entire situation, steps forward and demands Jeremy's life be saved in the name of the emperor since no child should be executed. Notes Bishop's adaptation of the opera, under the title "Hofer, the Tell of the Tyrol" Plate Numbers (in order of appearance) 9461, 6007-6010, 7734, 7935, 6011-6013, 5761, 6014, 6016, 6015, 6017-6019, 9905, 6020-6022, 6018. Everyone is ordered to bow in token of humble submission to Gesler’s hat, which has been set up as a military trophy in the village square. Melcthal, who orders the people not to give away the name of Leuthold’s rescuer, is arrested and dragged away. Mathilde's heart is broken, but she understands Arnold's plight. The scene changes back to the Lake of the Four Cantons, over which thick storm clouds are gathering. As the men take up arms, Arnold determination increases greatly and the men set out to free William Tell and the town of Altdorf from Austrian rule. 4 CDs. Arnold resolves himself to join William Tell and the rebellion and plans to confront the governor immediately. Composed for the Paris Opera in 1829 and based on a play by Schiller, Guillaume Tell uses thrilling vocals, grand ballets, and magnificent choruses to tell the story of Swiss patriots throwing off the yoke of Austrian oppression. Telling her of his father's death, he states he will not battle for Austria. Although Rossini composed works in other genres after 1829, Guglielmo Tell was his last opera. Seeing Tell, Rodolphe recognizes him as the man who helped Leuthold to escape: Gesler has him arrested and tells him that to save his own and his son’s life he must pass the test of the apple: that is, with his arrow he must pierce an apple placed on his son’s head. Walter tells Arnold that the Austrians executed his father, Melchtal, and Arnold, again, swears vengeance against the Austrian governor. As they depart, Melchtal rebukes his son's decision to not marry. Within an instant, Gesler's men arrest both William and Jeremy, and they are sentenced to execution. After he hands the weapon to his father, Gesler and his men make it to shore. Guillaume Tell Synopsis William Tell ACT I Switzerland, 1307. 1, Choeur, "Quel jour serein le ciel présage !" C'est la flèche de Tell! During this ceremony William and his son Jemmy are brought before Gesler by the soldiers because both of them have refused to offer homage to the symbol. Leuthold enters with news that the storm has blown the ship towards a dangerous outcrop of jagged rocks. Agreeing that they both love each other dearly, they outline the problems and obstacles they will encounter. Afterward, the villagers and couples sing and dance, giving way to an archery contest. Moments later, a boat is spotted. Guilliaume Tell, also known as William Tell, by Gioachino Rossini, premiered on August 3, 1829, at the Salle Le Peletier in Paris, ​France. The four-act opera takes place in 13th century ​​Switzerland near Lake Lucerne. The rebels needed a signal to fight, but before setting fire to the house, Jeremy wisely removed his father's bow and arrows. In despair, Mathilde begs him to save himself by running away, but Arnold is firm in his decision to defend his native land. Although he loves her, he realizes that this new political situation threatens to separate them for ever. As his victory is cheered and celebrated, he spies Leuthold, a shepherd, stumbling into the village. Hide 48 tracks for Rossini: Guillaume Tell. Gesler has even placed his hat at the top of a pole, and his men force the Swiss townsfolk to pay homage to it every time they pass by. (il tombe dans le lac) LES GARDES (fuyant) C'est la flèche de Tell! Meanwhile distant echoes can be heard of a celebration organized by Gesler in the village of Altorf in honour of the Germanic Empire’s more than one hundred-year rule over the Swiss. The Swiss curse the tyrant Gesler. Early retirement: 1830–1855. The first complete DVD release of the works original version finds the Rossini in Wildbad Festival, celebrating its 25th anniversary, performing Tell for the first time in its entirety. Overcome by the nervous stress of the trial, William falls to the ground, almost fainting, and another arrow falls out of the folds of his jacket: when Gesler demands an explanation William confesses that if he had missed his aim in the test, he would have fired this second arrow at Gesler. He embraces his wife and son and then takes up his crossbow to aim a deadly arrow at Gesler: the tyrant falls dead into the raging waters. Pierre Audi’s new production of Guillaume Tell marked the first appearance of Rossini’s final operatic masterpiece on the Met stage for nearly 85 years. Because he and his father are supposed to greet the governor, Arnold starts heading for the door. The villagers join in the chorus and sing a song of love, marriage, and work. Hotly pursued by the Governor’s soldiers, Leuthold is forced to cross the dangerous river to save himself. After learning of William Tell's arrest, Arnold nearly loses faith in their cause. Tell is championed by Melcthal, patriarch of the village, and (hesitantly) by Melcthal's son Arnold, who is in love with the Austrian princess Mathilde. Listen Gioacchino Rossini - Guillaume Tell (William Tell): Overture 11min 35sec; Welcome to the Daily Download, a handpicked, free, downloadable piece of classical music available every weekday. Mathilde rushes to his side, proclaiming her love for him. Both lovers say their farewells and depart the chapel knowing their relationship will never work. Guillaume Tell, opéra in four acts, libretto by Étienne de Jouy and Hippolyte-Louis-Florent Bis, was given its first performance at the Théâtre de l’Académie Royale de Musique on the 3 August 1829. Arnold promises that, when the day dawns that they must fight for their freedom, he will join the rebel army. LiveAbout uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Dans son dernier opéra Rossini prend tous les risques pour s’adapter aux nouveaux goûts du public : Guillaume Tell, grande fresque historique inspirée de la tragédie de Schiller, rompt avec l’univers du bel canto et inaugure le genre du « grand opéra à la française » qui va s’épanouir avec Meyerbeer. GUILLAUME (à sa femme et à son fils) Retirez-vous; que la Suisse respire! Arnold, Melchtal's son, seems uncomfortable. Rodolphe steps in and instantly recognizes him as Leuthold's abettor. Whilst everyone acclaims Tell, Arnold comes on to announce that Altorf has been liberated. The story opens in a village in the Swiss Canton of Uri: just a few rustic chalets among the mountains, near a rushing river. Guillaume Tell est un opéra en quatre actes de Gioachino Rossini, sur un livret d'Étienne de Jouy et Hippolyte Bis1, aidés d'Armand Marrast et d'Adolphe Crémieux, d'après la pièce de Friedrich von Schiller2. Gesler is going to take him across to the other side of Lake Lucerne, where he will be executed by being fed to the reptiles who inhabit the lake. The representatives of the various cantons gather together and William Tell leads them all in swearing an oath to free their country of its oppressors; dawn breaks, symbol of victory. The following year Rossini wrote his long-awaited French grand opera, Guillaume Tell, based on Friedrich Schiller's 1804 play which drew on the William Tell legend.