Rossini's Operas: "William Tell"

Rossini's "William Tell," an opera in three acts, first premiered at the Académie in Paris on Aug. 3, 1829, with the following cast:
  • Mathilde: Mme. Damoreau-Cinti
  • Jemmy: Mme. Dabodie
  • Hedwig: Mlle. Mori
  • Arnold: M. Nourrit
  • Walter: M. Levasseur
  • Tell: M. Dabodie
  • Ruodi: M. Dupont
  • Rodolphe: M. Massol
  • Gessler: M. Prevost
  • Leutold: M. Prevot.
 
Rossini wrote for Paris only two new operas: "Le Comte Ory" and "William Tell." The latter, his masterpiece, was written in the serious style. The libretto was first prepared by M. Jouy, but it was so bad that M. Bis was called in and to him is due the whole of the second act. Even after the two authors had changed and revised it, Rossini had to alter it in many places.

When "William Tell" was first performed, the weakness of the drama was at once recognized, though its music was warmly welcomed, especially by the critical. It was presented 56 times in its original form and was then cut down to three acts, the original third act being omitted and the fourth and fifth condensed into one.

For three years, the second act was alone performed in Paris, but when M. Duprez made his début in the part of Arnold, a fresh enthusiasm was aroused and there was a genuine "William Tell" revival.

Plot Summary: "William Tell"

The scene of the opera is laid in 13th-century Switzerland. The action closely follows the historical narrative. Here is a brief synopsis:

The disaffection that has arisen among the Swiss, owing to the tyranny of Gessler, suddenly comes to a climax when one of Gessler's followers attempts an outrage upon the only daughter of the herdsman Leutold and meets his death at the hands of the indignant father.

Leutold seeks protection at the hands of Tell, who, in the face of the herdsman's pursuers, succeeds in placing him beyond the reach of danger. This circumstance arouses the wrath of Gessler. Melchtal, the village patriarch, is accused by him of inciting the people to insubordination and is put to death.

Meanwhile, Arnold, Melchtal's son, is enamored of Mathilde, Gessler's daughter, and hesitates between love and duty when he is called upon to avenge his father's death. At last duty prevails, and he joins his comrades when the men of the three cantons, who are loyal to Tell, meet and swear death to the tyrant.

In the last act occurs the famous archery scene. To discover the leading offenders, Gessler erects a pole in the square of Altorf upon which he places his hat and commands the people to do homage to it. Tell refuses. As punishment, Tell is ordered to shoot an apple from his son's head. He successfully accomplishes the feat, but as he is about to retire, Gessler observes a second arrow concealed in his garments and inquires the reason for it. When Tell boldly replies it was intended for him in case the first had killed his son, Gessler throws him into prison, whereupon Mathilde abandons her father and determines to help in the rescue of Tell and his son.

Mathilde's lover, Arnold, meanwhile, raises a band of brave followers and accomplishes the rescue himself. After slaying the tyrant and freeing his country, Tell returns to his family, and Arnold and Mathilde are united.

Resources

Upton, George (1897). The Standard Operas: Their Plots, Their Music, and Their Composersa Handbook. Chicago: A. C. McClurg and Company.