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.

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

Ursus saved Fibi from misery by hiring her to take care of the horses and all the other backstage tasks related to his show’s production. No one really notices her; she feels alone, especially since she has fallen in love with her protector, Ursus. In this aria, she reveals her deep feelings for him for the first time.

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.

Josiane’s Aria (mezzo soprano)
from the opera “The man Who Laughs”
libretto: Bertrand Laverdure

Duchess Josiane has just learned that the object of her fascination, her monster, Gwynplaine, has become a peer of England. She also learns that her fiancé, Lord David, must lose his title of Lord to give it to Gwynplaine. All of the Duchess’s plans fall apart. She loses both her fiancé and her sentimental toy. Torn by bitterness, tortured by her unhealthy attachment to Gwynplaine, she expresses her disappointment.

Dissoute, ma vie est dissoute
Diluée par la reine,
Diminuée, pétrie par les ans qui reviennent
Ma bouche a séduit l’éphémère
Volatile matière
Plaie qui valsait pour moi, ma bête pur-sang
Mon amour dissout par l’or vil
Mort dans l’instant, quittant long quai
Plaie qui fraude l’amour
Dissoute, ma vie est dissoute
Diluée par la reine,
Dissoute, ma vie est dissoute
Diluée par la reine…

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.