Barkilphedro’s Aria from the opera “The Man Who Laughs” – Downloadable PDF

Airat Ichmouratov
Barkilphedro's Aria (baritone)
from the opera "The man Who Laughs"
Jean-François Lapointe - baritone
libretto: Bertrand Laverdure
Festival Classica orchestra

Barkilphedro, frustrated, betrayed, and bitter, has just arrested Gwynplaine and thus fulfilled the desires of Duchess Josiane. To him, this is just a step toward achieving his goal, which is to free himself from his chains, his dependence on the monarchy. In this aria, he expresses all his bitterness and his deep desire for revenge against the Duchess and all those who keep him under their control.

The Man Who Laughs is a two-act opera with a prologue by Canadian composer Airat Ichmouratov, featuring a French libretto by poet Bertrand Laverdure, adapted from Victor Hugo’s eponymous novel. Commissioned by Festival Classica, it premiered in a concert version conducted by Airat Ichmouratov on May 31, 2023, in Montreal, Canada.