Opera Scotland

Crown Diamonds Les Diamants de la Couronne; Caterina

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Music

Daniel-François-Esprit Auber (born Caen, 29 January 1782; died Paris, 12 May 1871.

Text

Eugène Scribe and Jules-Henri Vernoy de St Georges.

Source

Original.

 

Premières

First Performance: Paris (Opéra-Comique), 6 March 1841.

First Performance in UK: London (Princess's Theatre), 2 May 1844.

First Performance in Scotland: to be confirmed (first time in Glasgow 1874).

Scottish Opera première: N/A.

 

Background

The Crown Diamonds was one of the most successful operas by Auber, both in France and Britain.

 

Main Characters

Princess of Portugal, disguised as Caterina (soprano)

Don Henrique, a courtier and bandit chief (tenor)

 

Plot Summary

Chronically short of cash. the Princess of Portugal has sold off the Crown Jewels. In order to replace them with paste, she disguises herself, under the name Caterina, and sets off to meet some bandits who should be able to help her out. Complications inevitably arise when she falls for the bandit chief.