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

Sélika

Lead

Female

Soprano

Inès

Lead

Female

Soprano

Vasco da Gama

Lead

Male

Tenor

Nélusko

Lead

Male

Baritone

Don Pédro

Lead

Male

Bass

Don Diégo

Supporting

Male

Bass

Grand Inquisitor of Lisbon

Supporting

Male

Bass

Don Alvar

Featured

Male

Tenor

Anna

Featured

Female

Alto

High Priest of Brahma

Featured

Male

Baritone

Anna

Featured

Female

Mezzo-Soprano

Songs

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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

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Scenes

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Key Terms

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Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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