OPERA SEARCH
M et Mme Denis (OEK critical edition)
(Herr und Madame Denis) (1862)Libretto by Laurencin et Michel Delaporte; original German version by G. Ernst (F,G)
3S,T; small chorus(STB);
2(II=picc).1.2.1-2.2.1.0-timp.perc-strings
Abbreviations (PDF)
Bote & Bock
Salle Choiseul, Paris
Company: Théâtre des Bouffes-Parisiens, Julietta Darcier et al.
| GASTON, Sir Denis's ward | Soprano (or Tenor) |
| LUCILE, the Denis's niece | Soprano |
| NANETTE, Sir and Lady Denis's servant | Soprano |
| BELLEROSE, sergeant of the guard | High Baritone |
| BRINDAMOUR, JOLICOEUR, LA VALEUR, LA RAMÉE, soldiers of the guard | |
| and four more soldiers of the guard | Sopranos, Tenors and Basses |
Paris, about 1750
Gaston has kidnapped Lucile, his beloved one, from boarding school and wants to marry her with the blessing of Sir and Lady Denis. However, Sir and Lady Denis are away from home. While Nanette prepares a bite to eat for the two runaways, it turns out the 'abduction' of Lucile has been discovered. A sergeant is already standing in front of the house with a search party. Gaston and Lucile quickly dress up in wigs and night gowns as 'Sir and Lady Denis' in an attempt to avoid being caught by the soldiers. After a lot of confusion they are caught at last. However, they manage to put their pursuers out of action with the help of the witty Nanette and a good measure of wine and singing. At that very moment, however, the real 'Sir and Lady Denis' are approaching...
Comic, Poetic