Delius, Frederick

Margot la Rouge (1901-02)

Duration: 50 minutes
Lyric drama in one act

Libretto by Rosenval (F,E,I)

Scoring
Major roles: 3S,A,T,2Bar,B; minor roles: 2S,A,5Bar,2B; chorus 2.picc.2.corA.2.2-4.2.3.1-timp.perc:cyms-harp-strings.
Abbreviations (PDF).

Territory
This work is available from Boosey & Hawkes for the world.

World Premiere
6/8/1983
Opera Theater of St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
Conductor: Eric Fenby
Company: Opera Theater of Saint Louis

Roles

SARGEANT THIBAULT	Tenor
THE ARTIST	Baritone
MARGOT	Soprano
LILI BEGUIN	Soprano
NINI	Soprano
LA PATRONNE	Contralto
LAPOIGNE	Baritone
TOTOR	Bass
1ST SOLDIER	Baritone
2ND SOLDIER	Baritone
3 drunkards	Basses
3 women	2 Sopranos/Contraltos
A Waiter	Baritone
Police Brigadier	Bass

Time and Place
Paris, France

Synopsis

At a bar in Paris one spring evening the clientele is made up of local drinkers and a handful of tarts. The conversation centres on Margot la Rouge, whose relationship with the Artist attracts envious comment from her colleague Lili. It starts to rain heavily – there will be few customers tonight. Margot nevertheless braves the storm, and is greeted with some bitchy comments. Three soldiers come in, the first two of whom show little interest in the girls, but the third – Thibault – stares at Margot. He thinks he has met her before. The others leave, but Thibault stays and approaches her. In the course of their conversation it becomes clear that she is from the same village as Thibault, who once knew her as Marguerite. She is moved by his recollections and also recognises him, then explains to him what she has become and that she has a lover. Thibault asks whether she loves him: she does not. Thibault’s obvious sincerity moves Margot to respond in kind. As they are about to leave together, the Artist appears. There is a row, and the Artist makes as if to strike Margot. Thibault defends her, and receives the knife blow instead. Margot grabs Thibault’s bayonet and stabs the Artist. The police arrest her.

Moods
Dramatic, Romantic, Tragic

Subjects
History, Relationships

Recommended Recording
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra / Meredith Davies (excerpts)
Eminence EMX2198

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Items on Sale

Margot La Rouge	(full score) Collected Edition 5	> Details
Margot La Rouge	Study Score - Hawkes Pocket Score 1149	> Details
Margot La Rouge	(Vocal Score) (French)	> Details