Le Comte Ory: Opéra en deux actes

At the start of this breezy two‑act opera, the audience is drawn into the pastoral courtyard of Formoutiers, where peasants, hopeful maidens and a nervous hermit‑seeker gather around a makeshift shrine of foliage and flowers. They pray for the mysterious hermit’s wisdom to restore lost husbands, heal broken hearts and bring prosperity, while the cunning Count Ory, disguised in a shabby habit, slips among them as a holy man. The lively opening chorus, punctuated by Raimbaud’s eager verses, sets a light‑hearted tone that mixes rustic chatter with the sparkling wit of Rossini’s score.

The intrigue quickly thickens as the Count, secretly watching the comtesse’s sorrowful ladies, promises favors and marriages while masking his true intentions. His flamboyant arias and the rapid‑fire exchanges among the villagers, the comic baroness Ragonde, and the earnest Alice create a whirlwind of misunderstandings that drive the action forward. Listeners can expect effervescent ensembles, catchy melodies and the delightful play of disguise that makes this opera a timeless piece of French comic theater.