Manon Lescaut (score)

The opera "Manon Lescaut" was composed in 1892. This was Puccini's third opera and is said to be his breakthrough work, followed by his later compositions "La Bohème," "Tosca," and "Madame Butterfly." It is a wonderful blend of Puccini's characteristically elegant melodies and the sensual harmonies that weave through them, and Puccini himself described it as his musical masterpiece.

Manon Lescaut, a beautiful woman who is to enter a convent, and the knight de Grieux both encounter various obstacles in their mutual attraction to each other, and Manon is driven to the point of imprisonment. This arrangement consists of three scenes.

The first part begins with a short piano introduction using "Melody of Love," and moves on to an interlude that plays between the second and third acts. This intermezzo is titled "Journey to Le Havre" and expresses Manon's regret over her imprisonment. The orchestra plays it with great emotion, primarily in the strings.

The second part begins with pounding piano chords that move to various wind instruments. The percussion are diversified, the orchestration develops at a dizzying pace, and heavy, powerful passages appear in succession.

The third part combines De Groot's aria in Act I and the love duet between Manon and De Groot in Act II, creating a beautiful blend that is the essence of Puccini's music, both elegant and dramatic. It can be called the pinnacle of Puccini.

The "Melody of Love" presented by the piano at the beginning is the main theme of the entire piece. Please enjoy the charm of this beautiful and moving theme.

(Koh Shishikura)