Opera in Focus - "LAKME"

"LAKME"
Act I, "Viens, Mallika"

In 1883, Lakme, composed by Leo Delibes, had its premiere at the Opera Comique in Paris. It became a great success to a large degree because of its difficult and highly melodic leading coloratura soprano role, and remains popular to this day.
In the first act, Lakeme and her companion Mallika stroll through the remote gardens surrounding the hidden temple where Lakme's father, the High Priest Nilakantha, presides. They join in an exquisite duet observing the tranquil beauty of the gardens. Then, for a moment, Lakme expresses concern that her father may be protected from harm. The mood passes and the suet draws to a close as the companions wander to a nearby stream to bathe.