Discover the fascinating story of Edmond Dédé’s ‘Morgiane’, a grand opera that blends musicality and historical significance, marking a milestone in American cultural heritage.
In 1887, New Orleans-born composer Edmond Dédé completed his magnum opus, the grand opera ‘Morgiane,’ in Bordeaux. This milestone marked not only a significant achievement for Dédé but also made history as the oldest known grand opera and the first by a Black American composer.
Edmond Dédé was a French composer and pianist of African descent.
Born in 1817, he is considered one of the first black composers to gain recognition in Europe.
Dédé's music style blended traditional French opera with African rhythms and melodies.
He wrote several operas, including 'La Esmeralda' and 'Le Calife Constesté', which were performed at the Paris Opera House.
Despite facing racism and prejudice during his lifetime, Dédé continued to compose music until his death in 1900.
The over 500-page manuscript for ‘Morgiane’ mysteriously disappeared after its creation, reappearing in Harvard’s library more than a century later. Until recently, almost no one had heard the opera, making its rediscovery a remarkable feat.
Through a joint effort by Opera Lafayette and Opera Créole, Dédé‘s manuscript was painstakingly reconstructed from start to finish. This labor-intensive process required skill, money, and time but ultimately yielded a performable version of the opera.
Founded in 2000, Opera Lafayette is a Washington D.C.-based opera company dedicated to reviving and performing Baroque operas.
The ensemble focuses on presenting works from the 17th and early 18th centuries, often using period instruments and historically informed performance practices.
With a repertoire spanning over 20 operas, Opera Lafayette has gained recognition for its authentic and engaging productions.
The company's mission is to make Baroque opera accessible to diverse audiences, fostering an appreciation for this rich musical heritage.
‘Morgiane’ is not only historically significant due to its status as the first grand opera by a Black American composer but also musically viable and worthy of a full staging. The libretto, adapted from ‘Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves,’ tells the story of a family’s struggle to stay together in the face of forced separation.
Dédé‘s score is a delightful mix of period styles from both sides of the Atlantic, showcasing his unique sound. The opera features a range of musical influences, including moments that recall Donizetti and early Verdi, as well as some overtures tinged with Tchaikovsky-esque elegance.
Gaetano Donizetti was an Italian composer, born on November 29, 1797, in Bergamo.
He is best known for his operas, which often featured complex characters and storylines.
With over 60 operas to his name, Donizetti's works include 'L'elisir d'amore', 'La sonnambula', and 'Don Pasquale'.
His music style was characterized by melodic simplicity and a focus on vocal harmony.
Donizetti's career spanned four decades, with his final opera being 'Maria di Rohan', completed in 1842.
The Opera Lafayette concert production was elevated by a strong cast, particularly Mary Elizabeth Williams in the title role. Williams‘ performance was marked by her honeyed sound and magnetic presence, making Morgiane both sympathetic and staunch. Other standout performances included Jonathan Woody as the Sultan’s Behar and Nicole Cabell as Amine.
While ‘Morgiane‘ may not be perfect, its historical significance and musical merit make it a treasure worth preserving. The joint effort by Opera Lafayette and Opera Créole has provided proof of their concept and demonstrated that perfection is not required for a work to enter the repertoire. With its captivating story and beautiful music, ‘Morgiane‘ should be here to stay.
