description L'Africaine Overview
L'Africaine is a five-act French grand opera by Giacomo Meyerbeer, with a libretto by Eugène Scribe, first performed in Paris in 1865 after the composer's death. Despite its established title, the action concerns the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama and an imagined queen named Sélika, with much of the later drama set around the Indian Ocean. The work uses large choruses, elaborate scenic effects, and demanding principal roles characteristic of Parisian grand opera.
help L'Africaine FAQ
Who composed L'Africaine, and when was it first performed?
Giacomo Meyerbeer composed L'Africaine to a libretto by Eugène Scribe. It was first performed at the Paris Opéra in 1865, after Meyerbeer's death.
Why is the title L'Africaine considered misleading?
Although the title means 'The African Woman,' much of the action concerns Vasco da Gama in Portugal and an imagined Indian setting. Meyerbeer had worked with the title Vasco de Gama before the posthumous title L'Africaine was used.
Who are Sélika and Nelusko in L'Africaine?
Sélika is the imagined queen at the heart of Vasco da Gama's personal story, while Nelusko is closely connected to her and opposes Vasco. Their relationships are set against Vasco's Portuguese expedition and his bond with Inès.
What is the famous aria from L'Africaine?
'O paradis' is one of the best-known arias for Vasco da Gama, sung when he reaches the lush island setting. It comes from Meyerbeer's five-act French grand opera, first staged in Paris in 1865.
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