Gwendoline (opera)
Gwendoline is a French opera in two acts and three scenes by Emmanuel Chabrier, with a libretto by Catulle Mendès. It premiered on 10 April 1886 at the Théâtre de la Monnaie in Brussels. The work is Chabrier’s attempt to write a serious opera in a Wagnerian style.
The story takes place among Saxon villagers who fear Danish pirates. Gwendoline warns her father, Armel, the Saxon chief, about the threat. After the men go to work, Gwendoline recalls a vision of being carried off by a Danish raider. A Danish raid, led by Harald, suddenly strikes. Armel refuses to reveal the location of his hoard, and Harald prepares to execute him, but Gwendoline pleads for mercy. Harald, charmed by her, tells everyone to leave. He and Gwendoline sing of their growing bond as the act ends.
In the wedding-like mood that follows, Armel blesses the couple and plots with his allies to take the Danes’ weapons and burn their ships. He also gives Gwendoline a dagger and urges her to kill Harald that night. Gwendoline and Harald pledge their love, while Armel’s plans for revenge simmer in the background.
In the tragedy’s climax, Harald leaves to join his men as pirates are killed nearby. Gwendoline gives Harald the dagger and vows to join him in death. The Danes are slaughtered, Harald is fatally wounded by Armel, and Gwendoline, unable to live without him, kills herself. The lovers die together as a bright light falls on the burning Danish ships.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 12:29 (CET).