Roland (Lully)

Roland is an opera (tragédie en musique) by Jean-Baptiste Lully, with a libretto by Philippe Quinault. It was first performed at Versailles on January 8, 1685. The opera is based on Ludovico Ariosto's epic poem Orlando Furioso.

Roland is one of Lully's most celebrated operas, known for its dramatic intensity, lyrical beauty, and powerful character portrayals. The story follows Roland, a Paladin of Charlemagne, driven to madness by unrequited love for the pagan princess Angelica.

The opera's structure adheres to the conventions of the French Baroque opera form, featuring a prologue, five acts, and elaborate ballets. Prominent characters include Roland, Angelica, Médor (Angelica's lover), and the sorceress Logistille. The plot explores themes of love, jealousy, madness, war, and the power of reason.

Key musical elements include Lully's characteristic recitative style, which balances declamation and melodic contour; airs (arias) that express intense emotion; and grand choral scenes and dances that contribute to the overall spectacle. The orchestration is rich and varied, utilizing the typical French Baroque instrumentation of strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.

Roland has been revived numerous times throughout history, and continues to be performed and studied today as a cornerstone of French Baroque opera. Its influence can be seen in subsequent operas by French composers such as Rameau and Gluck.