Ludwig van Beethoven
L'île des pirates
L'île des pirates () is a French ballet-pantomime created in 1835 and performed during the Romantic
Background#
The ballet L’île des pirates was presented in four acts by Louis Henry with music composed by Casimir Gide, Luigi Carlini, Gioachino Rossini, and Ludwig van Beethoven. The first act and the pas de deux in Act III were composed by Luigi Carlini, while Casimir Gide provided the music for the last three acts, supplemented by two passages from Gioachino Rossini and a sonata by Ludwig van Beethoven. The libretto came from Adolphe Nourrit, and Louis Henry developed the choreography. with Fanny as “Mathilde”. Louis-Stanislas Montjoie played the role of the pirate. The second performance of the ballet was an even greater success than the first. The role portrayed by Fanny Elssler was later taken over at the Paris Opera by Madame Duvernay and Pauline Leroux.
Synopsis#
The plot of L’île des pirates involves a young man in love with Mathilde played by Mlle Elssler, who is the fiancée of a pirate. Amid a backdrop of continual disguises, comings and goings, and romantic glances, the young man ultimately seeks to win her affection. With the aid of an entire fleet, he attempts to besiege the pirate’s floating citadel and reclaim his beloved from the pirate.
Gallery#
Costume de Montjoie, rôle d’Ackbar, dans L’île des pirates, ballet, Académie royale de musique, actes II, III (NYPL b12148503-5237628).jpg Costume of Montjoie, role of Ackbar, in L’île des pirates, Opéra de Paris, Acts II and III
- Composer
- Ludwig van Beethoven