Totila (opera)

Totila is an opera in three acts by composer Augusta Holmès. The libretto, written by Holmès herself, is based on the life of Totila, king of the Ostrogoths in the 6th century AD.

The opera premiered at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on 20 November 1892. Although lavishly staged, the opera was not a success and quickly disappeared from the repertoire. Critical response at the time was mixed, with some praising Holmès's ambition and musical talent, while others criticized the length and dramatic structure of the work. The opera's failure has been attributed to various factors, including its historical subject matter, the perceived lack of dramatic cohesion, and the prevailing attitudes towards female composers in the late 19th century.

While Totila is rarely, if ever, performed today, it remains a significant work in the history of French opera and offers insights into the artistic and cultural landscape of the Belle Époque. The score is available in manuscript form and provides valuable information about Holmès's compositional style.