Nanon is a comic opera in three acts with composed by Richard Genée and text by F. Zell. It was first produced at the Theater an Wien in Vienna on 10 March 1877. The English adaptation was by Louis C. Elson.

Dramatis Personæ

MIDI Files

• Overture

ACT I   -   The Guesthouse of "The Golden Lamb", not far from Paris.

• No. 1 - Introduction - "At Nanon's is not only excellent wine, but poured by a hostess of beauty divine, for Nanon is fine, and so is the wine..."
• No. 2 - Song - Marsillac, with Hector, Nanon and Chorus - "Now put your nose in air, my nephew; pray take care, I wish you'd make a strong and good impression."
• No. 3 - Song - Nanon - "Once before this tavern straying, our king Louis came in state, for a drink of some kind praying:  'For,' said he, 'my thirst is great' ..."
• No. 4 - Song - d'Aubigné - "Ah, what a day joyful is this;  I am so full of glee.  Can I believe in my heart's bliss, will she be true to me!  Day of Saint Anna..."
• No. 5 - Duett - Nanon and Ninon - "Let us suppose that you fair Ninon's place were occupying;  pray tell me what you'd do to keep off each suppliant lover..."
• No. 6 - Quartett - Nanon, Aubigné, Hector and Marsillac - "That is a drink which we find splendid, yes, yes, the king was very right.  In this the grape's own fire..."
• No. 7 - Finale Act I - "Here we come in troops of dozens, uncles, nephews, aunts and cousins;  all the relatives are here, yes, ev'ryone you bade appear! ..."

ACT II

• No. 8 - Entre-Act and Chorus - "At Ninon's is joy unfading in her parlors promenading , 'tis pleasure to ev'ry heart.  Here are men of education, noble names..."
• No. 8½ - Song - Gaston - "All that Frenchmen now will heed, ev'rything that would succeed is named after Ninon!  He who lives in joy and light, he whose wit..."
• No. 9 - Song - Ninon and others - "Faithful am I, to one plan steadfast.  Yes, do not smile, e'en I am true; you'll find it good, easy to practise, and in all cases..."
• No. 10 - Minnelied - Aubigné - "What can it be?  What is't today that I am full of glee?  My breast is light, my heart is gay, what can the reason be? ..."
• No. 10a - Song - Marsillac - "When I'm by Ninon's side, how glad is then the breast!  Away all sorrows glide, and one is wholly blest!  Ah! To her each thought..."
• No. 11 - Sextet - Gaston, Ninon, Frontenac, Houlières, Hector & Marsillac - "Monsieur de Marsillac!  Be welcome sirs, I pray!  Your servant!  Who is only happy..."
• No. 12 - Duo - Nanon and Aubigné - "Grignan!  Nanon!  Can this be?  He/She here?  Oh heav'n, but is it he?  I'm in perplexity!  Grignon's features, that is clear..."
• No. 13 - Song - Hector - "Young appearing, I was fearing ev'ry maiden that came;  quite delighted but affrighted, I was blushing with shame..."
• No. 14 - Finale Act II - "At Ninon's is joy unfading.  In her parlors promenading, no greater delight can be!  Here are men of highest station..."

ACT III

• No. 15 - Introduction - La Platrê - "Anna, my whole life I'll praise but thee, I'll praise but thee, I'll praise but thee;  Anna, of thee my song shall be..."
• No. 16 - Couplets - Marsillac - "No efforts were availing to keep me free from sin;  my piety was failing to keep all pure within.  This tender passion which..."
• No. 17 - Terzett - Aubigné, Marsillac and La Plâtre - "What can it be?  What is't today that I am full of glee?  My heart is light, my heart is gay..."
• No. 18 - Couplets - Nanon - "I am sure I need no preaching; love is learned without the teaching.  I know all to it belonging; how the heavy sighs come thronging..."
• No. 19 - Finale Act III - "Hail to the countess so divine, hail to the countess so divine ... Very fine .. Very fine ... Quite divine ... Quite divine ..."

 MIDI files

External Links

Vocal Score at IMSLP

American Musical Theatre

Page modified 31 May 2017