"The Pearl Fishers": A Georges Bizet Opera

Known in French as "Les Pêcheurs de Perles," this Georges Bizet opera had its debut production on Sept. 29, 1863, at the Théâtre-Lyrique in Paris.
 
Bizet himself was only 25 at the time he composed the opera. Initially it failed to impress, as did the most famous of the Bizet operas, "Carmen," but both works later gained in popularity. Recordings from "The Pearl Fishers" have remained favorites, especially the tenor-baritone duet "Au fond du temple saint."
 
The exotic libretto was written by Eugène Cormon and Michel Carré.

"The Pearl Fishers" Synopsis

Set in Ceylon, now called Sri Lanka, Act I opens with the pearl fishers on the coast choosing Zurga (the baritone) as their chief, or king. He and his friend Nadir (the tenor) sing the famous duet "Au fond du temple saint" (in the depths of the temple) about their old rivalry over Leila (the soprano), a priestess of Brahma. But these two friends have now forgone trying to win her hand and instead have vowed never to see her again for the sake of their friendship.

Yet, after their song, a priestess approaches, with a veil covering her face, to give her annual prayer for the pearl fishers' success. The high priest Nourabad (the bass) welcomes her, but at the same time he instructs her to keep her identity hidden (hence the veil) and reminds her that she is forbidden from having a lover.

In spite of the veil, Nadir recognizes Leila as the priestess at once. Upon seeing her again, his love is rekindled, and when she goes into the temple to pray to Brahma, he sings "Je crois encore entendre" (I hear as in a dream).

"The Pearl Fishers" Plot Summary: Act II

The plot continues in Act II with the safe return of the pearl fishers to the Ceylon beach. Nourabad once again orders her to remain faithful to her vows, and as a reply Leila tells the story of the necklace she wears. It was given to her by a man she once rescued and whose hiding place she refused to reveal, even when threatened. When Nadir overhears this story, he knows for certain that this is indeed Leila, the woman that both he and Zurga loved and fought over.
 
Nadir approaches Leila once the priest leaves and they sing an impassioned duet about their love, although Leila begs him to leave so they will not be caught together. Naturally, Nourabad returns and overhears them, so he summons the other pearl fishers. At first Zurga agrees to be merciful for the sake of his dear friend Nadir, but then Nourabad removes Leila's veil, revealing her face, and Zurga too recognizes her as the woman he loved (the woman both he and Nadir swore never to see again) so he sentences them both to death.

"The Pearl Fishers" Plot Summary: Act III

The third and final act opens with Leila pleading for Zurga to spare Nadir, although she herself is willing to die. Zurga still loves her and has some doubts over his decision, but because she still loves Nadir he refuses.
 
Then Zurga notices the necklace Leila wears. It turns out he was the one she rescued and he had given her that very necklace. As Leila and Nadir say their farewells and prepare to be executed, Zurga lights a fire in the village to provide a distraction. The pearl fishers hurry to put it out, and Zurga removes the prisoners' chains and allows the lovers to escape. But Nourabad again witnesses this act and denounces Zurga to the pearl fishers, so Zurga mounts the funeral pyre himself.

"The Pearl Fishers" and Bizet Operas Overall

As the above synopsis partly reveals, this operatic love triangle falls into the grand opera style popular in the 19th century. It had a large cast, orchestra, lavish design and stage-effects. With wonderful duets and ensembles, it is easy to understand why this rich music is still listened to and enjoyed today.

Unfortunately, too few works exist by the brilliant composer Georges Bizet since he died of a heart attack at the young age of 36, shortly after the first performance of "Carmen." But his work lives on and is rightfully remembered.

Resources

Music with Ease (n.d.) The Pearl Fishers. Retrieved January 16, 2008, from the Music with Ease Web site: http://www.musicwithease.com/bizet-pearl-fishers.html.

Westervelt, Bryce (February 2, 2007). The Pearl Fishers – 101. Retrieved January 16, 2008, from the Suite101 Web site: http://opera.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_pearl_fishers_101.