Hidden treasures ≈ Ferdinand Herold ≈ Le muletier ≈ Sur le pas de jeunes fillettes

Painting: The Flower Seller by William Adolphe Bouguereau {fragment}.
{Based on MusicWeb}
History: After the dismal failure of his opera comique L’Auteur mort et vivant in 1820, Hérold experienced a physical and mental breakdown so severe that he produced no works for the stage for three years. During this time, the Théâtre-Italien sent him to Italy to recruit singers. It was in Italy that he first heard the works of Rossini, which greatly impressed him. When Herold returned to Paris, he was poor and ill. However, this period of trials and tribulations culminated in the premiere of Le muletier - a one-act opera-comique - in 1823 to a warm reception. The risqué plot raised a few eyebrows but the charming score overcame any doubts. Critics of the time praised the work’s grace, verve, variety and local color. Herold would follow this success with some of his more famous operas, including Zampa and Le Pre aux Clercs.
Story: The original story, adapted from Boccaccio, dealt with a rather peculiar story about a muleteer who falls in love with a queen. He disguises himself as the king, and woos the queen in secret. Naturally, this plot was simplified to a more publicly acceptable version with the title hero Henriquez (tenor), wanting to marry Zerbine despite the protests of her guardian. The lovers arrange a meeting in a garden by night but Henriques confuses another woman for his beloved in the dark. This leads to the usual confusion which is ultimately resolved by a happy ending.
Music: Le muletier is a traditional but highly charming work brimming with both Gallic charm and a bit of Italianate bravura, boasting highly characteristic music for all characters. A personal highlight is the Bolero for the title hero, as he boasts about his ability to mesmerize women. The aria - a classic ABA piece - is a particularly attractive essay in the Spanish style that is included early in the opera. After a brief prelude, establishing the lovely wind writing and vivacious tempo, Henriquez proceeds to detail his ease in attracting the opposite sex in an easygoing melody that forms the A section {0:25}. What the aria lacks in true depth is more than vindicated by both the sheer infectiousness of the melody and Herold’s judicious use of a light but involved accompaniment with a lovely rising staccato line passing through various instrument groups as a running motive. A contrasting moment occurs as Henriquez notes that one should take the most from life in a long-breathed rallentando over sustained horn lines {0:52} which quickly gives way to a reappearance of the main melody {1:07}. The multi-part B section is an appeal by the hero to womankind, as he plainly asks ladies to be more accepting of men’s attention {1:33}. After the initial faux-dramatic minor episode, the hero engages in a teasing monologue over a running pizzicato accompaniment, as he stresses that he knows full well how to conquer the all too serious guardians and nannies of young women {2:03}, before restating on a full forte that he will break down all obstacles to Zerbine’s love {2:14}. The B section is rounded out with a serene acknowledgement by Henriquez that “the crafty muleteer will always win in the affairs of love” {2:37}. A short cadenza {3:00} leads to a full restatement of the A section {3:08} with a triumphant coda as a suitably exuberant ending to the whole Bolero {4:10}. All in all, a most charming aria with opportunities for both vocal and dramatic display.
Scores: The entire vocal score for Le muletier is available in IMSLP (starting at P. 31 for the present aria): bit.ly/2LZrxSK
Recordings: An expert recording of the primary numbers from Le muletier is available on the 1968 Gaieté Lyrique double set (coupled with Le Pre aux Clercs). André Mallabrera fully realizes the charm of the Bolero.
Hope you enjoy =)!

[@AmorOmniaVincit128]

Très agréable...

[@ruivog]

Merci.

[@guilhermegattogatto2280]

Sur le pas de jeunes fillettes
Chaque jour
Nous savons en fait d'amourettes
Plus d'un tour
Craints des maris aimés des belles,
Notre ardeur
Sair même avec les plus cruelles
Prendre un coeur.
Suivant au gré de mon envie
Nous désirs
Nous employon gaiment la vie
En plaisirs
Oui chez nous par état, par zèle
Et par goût
Excepté l'art d'être fidèle
On sait tout
Sexe charmaut nous bravons ta malice
Ah! Contre nous cesse de conspirer!
Si comme toi nous usons d'artifice,
C'est porte plaire et t'adorer
Sa chant tromper avec a dresse
Duègnes, tuteurs et maris
Nous traitons même avec finesse,
Ceux que nous nommons vos a mis.
Oui pour garder une conquête
Nut obstacle ne nous avrête
Toujours le hardi muletier
En amour vainera le premier.