Catalogue of works
Pelléas et Mélisande 93/(88)
Drame lyrique en 5 tableaux [opera in 5 tableaux]
Libretto:
Maurice Maeterlinck
Composition dates:
1893-1902
Dedication:
Georges Hartmann and André Messager
Publication:
Voice and piano, Fromont, May 1902; Durand, 1905, 1906 (German words), 1907 (English words), 1908 (Italian words)
Voice and orchestra, Fromont, 1904; Durand, 1905, 1908 (pocket edition)
Nomenclature:
3.3.2.3 — 4.3.3.1 — timp. — 2 harps — strings
First hearing:
30 April 1902, at the Opera-Comique, under the direction of André Messager, staging by Albert Carré, scenery by Jusseaume and Ronsin, costumes by Bianchini. With Mary Garden, Jean Périer, Hector Dufrane and Félix Vieuille
Comments:
Paris, 3 May 1901, Albert Carré promised Debussy to play the work at the Opera-Comique in the following season. The orchestration was completed in the second half of the year. Rehearsals began on 13 January 1902, Debussy being present at each.