from Act III, Scene 1 of the French opera Le Cid by Jules Massenet

Libretto: Adolphe d'Ennery

Role: Chimène, a Spanish noblewoman, daughter of the Count de Gormas

Voice Part: soprano       Fach: dramatic soprano

Setting: Chimène's room, Burgos, Spain, 11th century

Synopsis: Chimène is in love with Rodrigue. However, Rodrigue killed her father in a duel because her father insulted Rodrigue's father. Torn between the loves she has for both of them, she realizes that there is no outcome which will not be touched by sorrow and heartache.

from Act II, Scene 2 of the French opera Le Cid by Jules Massenet

Libretto: Adolphe d'Ennery

Role: L'Infante, the daughter of the King of Spain

Voice Part: soprano       Fach: lyric soprano

Setting: the main square of Burgos in spring, Spain, 11th century

Synopsis: With the rest of the crowd, L'Infante prays to God that their spring days be a remedy to the pain and torment of days past. She says that love and peace should take their place in the lives of the Spanish people.

from Act I, Scene 2 of the French opera Le Cid by Jules Massenet

Libretto: Adolphe d'Ennery

Role: Rodrigue, a knight, son of Don Diègue

Voice Part: tenor       Fach: dramatic tenor

Setting: a gallery in the King's palace, Burgos, Spain, 11th century

Synopsis: For his valor, Rodrigue is made a knight and given a sword of knighthood. Afterwards, he sings of the glory and nobility of defending his country with his new sword.

from Act III, Scene 3 of the French opera Le Cid by Jules Massenet

Libretto: Adolphe d'Ennery

Role: Rodrigue, a knight, son of Don Diègue

Voice Part: tenor       Fach: dramatic tenor

Setting: Rodrigue's tent, outside Burgos, Spain, 11th century

Synopsis: Just before a battle against an overwhelming army of Moors, Rodrigue prays for victory.

from Act II, Scene 1 of the French opera Le Cid by Jules Massenet

Libretto: Adolphe d'Ennery

Role: Rodrigue, a knight, son of Don Diègue

Voice Part: tenor       Fach: dramatic tenor

Setting: a street in Burgos at night, Spain, 11th century

Synopsis: Count de Gormas has made a fool out of Rodrigue's father by defeating him easily in a duel and then making fun of his inabilities. In response to this disgrace of his family, Rodrigue declares that he shall take his revenge upon Count de Gormas. However, he soon finds out that the Count is the father of Rodrigue's beloved, Chimène. This conflict of loyalties troubles him greatly.