QUEEN OF SHEBA

 

 © 1997 Hungaroton Classic LTD.
  Opera in four acts  
 

Libretto by S. H. Mosenthal

  
  KING SOLOMON  
  THE HIGH PRIEST  
  SULAMITH, his daughter  
  ASSAD, Solomon's favourite  
  BAAL-HANAN, Captain of the Guards  
  THE QUEEN OF SHEBA  
  ASTAROTH, her servant  
  WATCHMAN OF THE TEMPLE  
     
The Story
Act 1: The sons and daughters of Jerusalem in the palace of Solomon include Sulamith, the daughter of the High Priest, waiting for the return of her bridegroom, Assad, sent by King Solomon to meet the visiting Queen of Sheba. Assad arrives announcing that he has completed his task, but he avoids his fiancée. He confesses to the King that he has fallen in love with a marvellous creature under Lebanon's cedar trees, who has drawn him to herself whilst dabbling in the waves. When the Queen removes her veil after the entrance ceremony, Assad recognizes her and tries to rush forward. But the Queen rejects him, saying, in the presence of her retainers, that she has never seen him before, and Solomon reminds him of the wedding feast planned for the following day.
Act 2: The Queen is in love with Assad. She is resting in the gardens of the palace at night-time. She is unable to come to terms with the idea of losing the man she loves the following day, when he is going to marry Sulamith. Astaroth, her servant, tells her that Assad is near, walking among the cypress trees. She asks her to lure him to her. Assad arrives and their love soon flares up again. Change of scene: Bride and bridegroom are expected in the temple. The High Priest is about to lead them to the altar when the Queen arrives with Astaroth. Once again, Assad loses his head, and spoils the wedding ceremony. He flings away the ring and swears that the Queen is his goddess. Those attending the ceremony, call for the death of Assad, the blasphemer. Solomon reserves the right of judgement.
Act 3: The King stages another feast in honour of his guest. On this occasion the Queen applies for mercy for Assad. Her insincerity becomes obvious and Solomon firmly refuses to meet her requests and her threats. Now Sulamith appears: her pure-hearted imploring moves the King. He spares Assad his life, but banishes him to the desert.
Act 4: Drained of all strength, Assad reaches a palm-tree in the desert. The Queen follows him there. However, she fails in her last desperate efforts: Assad casts her away. But as he is dying, Sulamith appears and Assad dies happily in her arms.
Used literature: CD-textbook, Hungaroton Classic LTD., 1997 HCD 12179-81