Lucifer's Palace


Lucifer's PalacePolish opera in 4 acts by Karol Kurpiński. Libretto was written by Alojzy Żółkowski, based on Joseph-Marie Loaisel de Tréogate's play Le château du diable published in 1792. The opera was staged for the first time on 9 November 1811 in Warsaw.
Parts of the libretto were published in Roczniki Teatru Narodowego 1811-1812. Though no part of the opera was published during Kurpiński's life, it has completely survived in full score.

Roles

  • Lancelot, a knight - bass/barytone
  • Adelajda, his wife - soprano
  • Gaweł, Lancelot's squire - bass
  • Rządca or hrabia Magnus - bass/baryton
  • Paź - soprano
  • Niewolnik or Habakuk - tenor
  • Amanda or Róża - soprano
  • Królowa - soprano
  • Leida - soprano
  • Emira - soprano
  • Gospodyni oberzy - soprano
Chorus: peasants, courtiers, servants.

Plot

The opera takes place in the Middle Ages. Brave and noble knight Lancelot faces the intrigues of his newly married wife Adelajde's uncle, Count Magnus, who with a diabolical hoax tries to destroy the love of the young couple. Through many adventures Lancelot can be neither intimidated nor tempted to infidelity to wife.