The scene changes, and a
glimpse is given of the interior of the cathedral, where the marriage of
Robert and Isabella is being celebrated.
'Robert le Diable' was an immense success when first produced. The
glitter and tinsel of the story suited Meyerbeer's showy style, and
besides, even when the merely trivial and conventional had been put
aside, there remains a fair proportion of the score which has claims to
dramatic power. The triumph of 'Robert' militated against the success of
'Les Huguenots' (1836), which was at first rather coldly received.
Before long, however, it rivalled the earlier work in popularity, and is
now generally looked upon as Meyerbeer's masterpiece. The libretto
certainly compares favourably with the fatuities of 'Robert le Diable.'
Marguerite de Valois, the beautiful Queen of Navarre, who is anxious to
reconcile the bitterly hostile parties of Catholics and Huguenots,
persuades the Comte de Saint Bris, a prominent Catholic, to allow his
daughter Valentine to marry Raoul de Nangis, a young Huguenot noble.
Valentine is already betrothed to the gallant and amorous Comte de
Nevers, but she pays him a nocturnal visit in his own palace, and
induces him to release her from her engagement. During her interview
with Nevers she is perceived by Raoul, and recognised as a lady whom he
lately rescued from insult and has loved passionately ever since.
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