ROMEO AND JULIET

(Roméo et Juliette) Composer: CHARLES GOUNOD Book by Jules Barbier and Michel Carré, from Shakespéeare’s play First performance: Thédtre Lyrique, Paris, April 27, 1867 5 acts. JuLtet, of the house of Capulet, meets Romeo at a masked ball given in her home. In spite of the age-old feud between the houses of Capulet and Montagu (of which Romeo is a member), they are married in Friar Lawrence’s cell. Romeo is banished by the Duke for having killed Tybalt who had previously killed Mercutio. Juliet, after being secretly visited by Romeo in the night, is approached by Capulet who says she must marry Count Paris. Friar-Lawrence gives Juliet a potion to drink which will make her appear dead, though she is only asleep. When Romeo hears of her supposed death he buys poison for himself, and comes to the tomb to die beside her. He meets Count Paris, anc kills him. Romeo then drinks the poison, and dies himself. When Friar Lawrence comes to awaken Juliet he finds swords and blood. He therefore tries to induce Juliet to flee but she will not. She stabs herself, and dies beside “ her husband.