Milton is an opéra comique in one act by Gaspare Spontini. The French libretto, by Victor-Joseph Étienne de Jouy and Armand-Michel Dieulafoy, is based on the life of the English poet John Milton. Milton was first performed on 27 November 1804 by the Opéra-Comique at the Salle Feydeau in Paris. It was Spontini's first major success in France. The composer planned a reworked version for performances in Germany under the title Das verlorene Paradies (Paradise Lost), but in the event it was never staged.
Roles +RoleVoice typePremiere cast, 27 November 1804Milton, an old man, a poet, blindbaritoneJean-Pierre SoliéEmma, his daughtersopranoMme Gavaudan Miss Charlotte, his niece, an old maidThe libretto describes this role as a "demi-caricature"mezzo-sopranoMme CrétuShe was born Anne-Marie Simonet (1764-1829) and was also known as Mme Crétu, after she married Anthelme Crétu on December 30th, 1786. See Jacqueline du Pasquier, "Trois portraits de Mme Crétu. Actrice du Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux, par Pallière, Laurent et Singry", Revue historique de Bordeaux et du département de la Gironde 23, 1974, p. 251-260.Lord Arthur Davenant, going under the name ArthurtenorJean-Baptiste-Sauveur GavaudanGodwin, a Quaker, a Justice of the PeacebassSimon ChénardA jockey of Lord ArthurA house servantPeople in the livery of the king
Synopsis The blind poet Milton and his daughter Emma, fearing political persecution by King Charles II, find refuge with the Quaker Godwin. Godwin's niece Charlotte is in love with Milton's secretary, "Arthur". In reality, Arthur is Sir William Davenant, who has adopted this disguise because he is in love with Emma. Milton dictates verses from his poem Paradise Lost to his daughter. In the end, Davenant reveals his true identity and brings Milton a letter from the king promising he will not be punished. Davenant and Emma are now free to marry.
References
Sources
Original edition of the libretto, 1805