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Music Text

Libretto by Sheldon Harnick, based on the play by Edmond Rostand (E,G)

Scoring

S,A,2T,Bar,BBar,B; supporting roles(6 doubled, 6 from chorus):3S,4M,5T,3Bar,BBar,3B; 3 or 4 children,
2actors, chorus
3(II=afl/picc,III=picc).2(II=corA).3(II=Ebcl/bcl,III=bcl).2(II=dbn)-4.2(II=offstage bugle).bugle I onstage.2.
euph.1-timp.perc(2-3):glsp/xyl/cel/t.bells/SD/TD/BD/rototoms/cyms/susp.cyms/tam-t/tgl/bell tree/
glass wind chimes/wdbl/slapstick/tamb/mounted cast-harp-strings

Abbreviations (PDF)

Publisher

Boosey & Hawkes

Territory
This work is available from Boosey & Hawkes for the world.

Availability

World Premiere
10/09/1994
Hagen
Rainer Friedmann, director
Conductor: Gerhard Markson
Company: Hagen Theater / Hagen Philharmonic Orchestra

Roles

RAGUENEAU Heavy Buffo Tenor
ROXANE Soprano
COUNT DE GUICHE Basso Cantante
BELLEROSE speaking role
MONTFLEURY speaking role
CYRANO DE BERGERAC Baritone
DUENNA Contralto
LISE Mezzo Soprano
4 Apprentice Bakers children's voices
Musketeer Tenor
CAPTAIN CARBON DE CASTEL JALOUX Bass or Bass Baritone
1st Cadet (from the Chorus) Tenor
2nd Cadet (from the Chorus) Tenor
3rd Cadet (from the Chorus) Baritone
4th Cadet (from the Chorus) Baritone
5th Cadet (from the Chorus) Bass
6th Cadet (from the Chorus) Bass or Baritone
Bugler
Priest Tenor
Sister Claire Soprano
Sister Marthe Mezzo Soprano
Mother Marguerite Contralto
1st Refreshment Girl Soprano
2nd Refreshment Girl Mezzo Soprano
3rd Refreshment Girl Mezzo Soprano
MARQUIS DE VALVERT High Tenor
MARQUIS DE BRISSAILLE Tenor
MARQUIS DE CUIGY Lyric Baritone
Pickpocket Buffo Bass
3 Apprentice Pickpockets Children's voices
Ligniere Bass Baritone
Christian de Neuvillette Tenor
1st Lady Intellectual Soprano
2nd Lady Intellectual Soprano
3rd Lady Intellectual Mezzo Soprano
4th Lady Intellectual Mezzo Contralto
Time and Place

17th Century, Paris

Synopsis

Cyrano, one of many Cadets in love with Roxane, fights a duel when his large nose is mocked. His display of wit and prowess during the duel impresses Roxane. She arranges a meeting with him. Upon meeting, Cyrano is heartbroken to learn that Roxane loves Christian. Cyrano realizes that Christian cannot satisfy Roxane’s romantic needs, so he writes the letters she desires, and Christian agrees to pretend they are his. The Count, also in love with Roxane, is enraged by Christian and Roxane’s love. He orders Christian and Cyrano to the front.  During the war, Cyrano continues to send love letters to Roxane, supposedly written by Christian. Roxane goes to the front and tells Christian that she first loved him for his looks, but that his letters made her fall in love with his soul. Christian demands that Cyrano confess the scheme to Roxane so that she can chose between the two. Christian is killed in battle before the confession, and Cyrano vows never to tell Roxane the truth. Later, a wounded Cyrano visits Roxane, and she realizes that Cyrano is the author of all the letters. For a brief moment they unite. Then, Cyrano dies in her arms.

Moods

Comic, Dramatic, Romantic

Subjects
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