Dea’s Aria (soprano)
from the opera “The man Who Laughs” | ” L’Homme Qui Rit”
libretto: Bertrand Laverdure

Déa is blind and has lost her great love, Gwynplaine. She doesn’t know whether he is dead or still alive. Gwynplaine is in prison. However, she remains optimistic and romantic, despite the little hope her companions have. Without Gwynplaine’s eyes, Déa is nothing; she no longer wants to live. Her love is also her healing.

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.

Barkilphedro’s Aria (baritone)
from the opera “The man Who Laughs”
libretto: Bertrand Laverdure

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.

Gwynplaine’s Aria (baritone) from the opera “The man Who Laughs” I “L’Homme Qui Rit”

libretto: Bertrand Laverdure

In this aria: forced into his new domain, his castle, Gwynplaine suddenly becomes a Lord and wealthy. However, he doesn’t want this wealth and is terribly bored without Déa. Since he is prevented from seeing his companions and Déa, he wallows in despair. He then sings a long lament that expresses his dismay.

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.