Overview
Synopsis
The opera is set in Lisbon and on an island in the Indian Ocean during the 16th century. Vasco da Gama has been away from his fiancee Inès for two years. Assuming da Gama is dead, Inès' father insists that she marry Don Pédro. Surprisingly, da Gama returns and brings with him two slaves Sélika and Nélusko. When the Grand Inquisitor refuses da Gama's request for more exploration funds, da Gama attacks the Grand Inquisitor and is sent to prison. Luckily, Inès purchases da Gama's freedom by marrying Don Pédro. Inès and Don Pédro now set sail, piloted by the treacherous Nélusko. Da Gama has followed Don Pédro in another ship, and begs him to return to Lisbon. Don Pédro refuses, and a storm breaks out. The local people kill all males on the ships except Da Gama. Sélika is now queen once again and claims da Gama as her husband. However, when Sélika sees da Gama secretly with Inès (who survived), she commits suicide followed by Nélusko.
Show Information
- Music
- Giacomo Meyerbeer
- Libretto
- Eugène Scribe
- Category
- Opera
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- Genres
- Cast Size
- medium
- Licensor
- None/royalty-free
- Ideal For
- Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Young Adult, Mature Adult, Late Teen, Elderly Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Bass |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Bass |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Bass |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Alto |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
Sorry! We do not currently have terms for this guide.
Videos
Sorry! We do not currently have videos for this guide.
Quizzes
Sorry! We do not currently have quizzes for this guide.
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Quote Analysis
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.