Dialogues des Carmélites, a French opera by Francis Poulenc: opera plot synopsis, character description, and other Francis Poulenc opera information.

Dialogues des Carmélites ('Dialogues of the Carmelites') is a three-act lyric tragedy opera by Francis Poulenc. It is his operatic masterpiece. A member of the 'Les Six' French composers, Poulenc was drawn into the Surrealist movement following World War I.

Facts about Dialogues des Carmélites

• Composer: Francis Poulenc (January 7, 1899 - January 30, 1963)
• Libretto: Francis Poulenc. Based on the play by Georges Bernanos (as based on the novel of Gertrude von le Fort) and scenario of Father Bruckberger and Philippe Agostini.
• Language: French.
• First performance: Milan, Teatro alla Scala, January 26, 1957.
• Setting: France from 1789 through 1794.

The clarity of music is accounted as influence from Stravinsky and the melody to Massenet. The opera's ensemble finale with the lyrical hymn "Salve Regina" is moving, immensely touches, as the nuns await their turn at the guillotine.

The Main Characters/Roles in Dialogues des Carmélites (Dialogues of the Carmelites)

• Blanche de la Force (lyric soprano)
• Chevalier de la Force, Blanche's brother (tenor)
• Madame de Croissy, The prioress (contralto)
• Madame Lidoine, The new prioress (soprano)
• Mother Marie of the Incarnation, Assistant Prioress (mezzo)
• Sister Constance, a Young nun (light soprano)
• Marquis de la Force (baritone)
• Mother Jeanne of the Child Jesus (contralto)
• Father Confessor (tenor)
• First officer (tenor)
• Second officer (baritone)
• Jailer (baritone)

Plot Summary (Synopsis) of Dialogues des Carmélites

Act 1.

Scene 1. The chevalier reports to the marquis, that his sister, Blanche, is in danger, her carriage surrounded by screaming peasants. The Marquis assures him not to worry and discounts the possibility of a revolution. Blanche returns safe. Seeking escape from her fears, Blanche tells her father she wants to become a nun.

Scene 2. Blanche is interviewed by Madame de Croissy, the prioress of the Carmelite convent, and tells the prioress she wishes the name "Sister Blanche of the Agony of Christ."

Scene 3. Blanche reminds Constance to respect the subject of death.

Scene 4. Prioress De Croissy suffers a horrible death, but before dying she asks Mother Marie to watch over Blanche. When Blanche arrives, the prioress blesses her and tells her to face her trials with courage, becomes delirious, and dies.

Act 2.

Scene 1. Sister Constance and Blanche are in the chapel, praying and watching the body. Blanche is afraid and tries to leave. Mother Marie chides her not to be afraid.

Scene 2. Madame Lidoine, the new prioress, warns that the future will be difficult.

Scene 3. The chevalier visits her sister. He is unsuccessful in persuading her to leave the convent.

Scene 4. The father confessor comes to the convent to offer a prayer. The officer enters the convent and read the declaration to close the convent.

Act 3.

Scene 1. The Carmelites proposes the sisters take a vow of martyrdom. At first Constance voted against it, but changed her mind. The father confessor administers the vow. Blanche flees.

Scene 2. Blanche has returned to her father's house. She hears of the arrest of the Carmelites.

Scene 3. In jail, the prioress joins the Carmelites in the vow of martyrdom.

Scene 4. The nuns serenely chant the poignant lyrical hymn "Salve Regina" as they advance to the guillotine. Blanche joins the sisters.

Consulted Sources:

Opera by Alan Riding and L.D. Downer, DK (2006)

The Da Capo Opera Manual by Nicholas Ivor Martin (Da Capo Press, 1997)