The Ghosts of Versailles

The Ghosts of Versailles is an opera in two acts by John Corigliano to an English libretto by William Hoffman, suggested by the play La Mère coupable by Beaumarchais. It was first performed by the Metropolitan Opera in New York City in 1991.

Related Topics:
Opera - John Corigliano - English - Libretto - William Hoffman - Play - Beaumarchais - Metropolitan Opera - New York City - 1991

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Corigliano considers this work a "grand opera buffa" because it incorporates both elements of the Grand Opera style (large chorus numbers, special effects) and the silliness of the opera buffa style. The two main characters are the ghost of Marie Antoinette, who is constantly upset about having been beheaded, and the playwright Beaumarchais himself.

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The Ghosts of Versailles is not part of the standard operatic repertory. There is a recording of it. It is sometimes performed.

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