Première of Bizet's opera Djamileh at the Opéra-Comique

Background. Djamileh is a one-act opéra comique by Georges Bizet, with a libretto by Louis Gallet based on Alfred de Musset's oriental tale Namouna. In 1871, while Bizet was stalled on other projects, Camille du Locle, director of the Opéra-Comique, suggested the piece. Bizet composed the work during the late summer of 1871, though the premiere was delayed due to difficulties in finding suitable singers.

Premiere and Reception. The opera received its first performance on 22 May 1872 at the Opéra-Comique in Paris. Although director Camille du Locle had lavished great care on the costumes and sets, the production achieved little success. After ten performances in 1872, Djamileh was not revived in Paris until 27 October 1938.

Composer Context. Georges Bizet, a French composer of the Romantic era, had served in the National Guard during the Franco-Prussian War. In 1871, he completed Djamileh alongside other works like Jeux d'enfants. While Djamileh had little success, an orchestral suite derived from his incidental music to L'Arlésienne was instantly popular.