Cendrillon (Viardot)

Cendrillon (Viardot) is an opera, more accurately described as an operetta or "conte de fées" (fairy tale), composed by Pauline Viardot to a libretto by the composer herself. The libretto is based on Charles Perrault's classic fairy tale, Cinderella.

Viardot composed the opera for her own private theater at her villa in Courtavenel, intended for performance by her students and friends. It was first performed in 1904. Unlike many grand opera adaptations of the Cinderella story, Viardot's Cendrillon is scaled down, featuring a reduced orchestra and vocal parts suited for amateur performers.

While adhering to the basic plot points of the Cinderella story – the cruel stepmother and stepsisters, the fairy godmother, the ball, the lost slipper, and the eventual reunion of Cinderella and Prince Charming – Viardot's adaptation includes unique touches and characterizations. The humor is light and the music is charming, reflecting the intimate and domestic nature of its original setting. The work features spoken dialogue between the musical numbers, further emphasizing its operetta style.

Although not a staple of the operatic repertoire, Cendrillon (Viardot) has experienced a revival in recent years, particularly in chamber opera settings and conservatory productions, due to its accessibility and delightful score.