SYNOPSIS

The action takes place in Amiens, Paris, Le Havre arid Louisiana during the eighteenth century

Act One

CD 1 1 Orchestral introduction

2 A square in Amiens. Some students have gathered in front of the inn. One of them, Edmondo, flirts with the village maidens as they come into the square. When Des Grieux appears, the students taunt him for his lack of success in love. 3–5 He keeps aloof at first, then retorts with a teasing serenade.

Soon a coach arrives at the inn. 6 From it alight Manon, her brother Lescaut, and the aging Geronte, a wealthy Parisian gallant. 7 After the two men go into the inn, Des Grieux introduces himself to Manon and learns that on her father’s orders she is on her way to a convent. Des Grieux’s protestations are cut short when Lescaut calls her away; as she turns to go, she promises to meet Des Grieux later. 8–9 Left alone, the young man rhapsodises on Manon’s beauty — to the amusement of the other students — then goes off.

10–11 Lescaut arid Geronte emerge from the inn; the former wanders over to watch the students playing cards, while the latter talks with the innkeeper. 12 Having overheard this conversation, Edmondo warns the returning Des Grieux of Geronte’s plan to abduct the girl.

13 Manon appears for the promised rendez-vous. Des Grieux tells her about the elderly Parisian’s plan and implores her to flee with him instead. She protests at first, then yields, and the two rush behind the inn, to the carriage that Geronte had ordered. 14 Meanwhile Lescaut has begun to play cards and is drinking freely. Geronte searches for Manon in vain. Edmondo, relishing his own mischief, tells him that she has fled with one of the students. 15 Furious, Geronte is comforted by Lescaut, now quite drunk, who assures him that it will not be difficult to win the girl away from a penniless lover.

Act Two

Geronte’s House in Paris. 16 –18 Manon has left Des Grieux and taken up with Geronte. She is now a very different girl: a woman of the world surrounded by luxury, of which she has begun to tire. Lescaut enters, admires the richness other dress and jewels and the exquisite taste of her boudoir — 19 and whispers that Des Grieux may soon come back. He has become a gambler, and it is possible that he may win a considerable sum.

20–21 There follows the scene of the levée, as Manon (following the custom of her day for a woman of the world) receives in her boudoir morning visits from friends and admirers, as well as her hairdresser and household staff. A group of singers enter and sing a madrigal. 22 –23 They are followed by some of Gerontes companions, and finally the ageing suitor himself appears, bringing along a dancing-master and a quartet of instrumentalists. After Manon dances a minuet, also singing Its refrain, the guests take their leave, followed by the musicians, the dancing-master, and finally Geronte.

CD 2 1 Suddenly tire door opens and Des Grieux enters. He bitterly accuses Manon of being unfaithful, but she knows how to turn his wrath into forgiveness and soon into ardour. 2 Just as the two embrace, Geronte surprises them. Instead of melodramatic reproaches, he ironically apologises for his intrusion and icily informs Des Grieux that he will take suitable measures.

3 As soon as Geronte leaves, Des Grieux begs Manon to forget all the luxury and flee with him. She is quite willing to do so if she cart take along just a few jewels. 4 Lescaut returns to warn them that Geronte has denounced Manon to the police and officers are on their way to arrest her. Although Des Grieux urges her to hurry, the girl continues to gather up her jewels. 5 The police arrive and take Manon off as Geronte enters, laughing with pleasure.

6 Intermezzo

Act Three

A square near the harbour of Le Havre. The prison in which Manon languishes faces the square; it is just before dawn. 7Lescaut and Des Grieux enter. Hoping to free his sister, Lescaut has bribed a guard; 8–9 Manon appears at a window, and Des Griciix rushes up to her, kisses her hands and tries to comfort her. Lescaut goes off. The lovers once again exchange vows, interrupted briefly by, a lamplighter making his rounds, singing a sad little tune.

Des Grieux tells Manon to be ready, for they will escape together, But the plan goes awry. 10 A rifle shot is heard. Lescaut runs in: someone has discovered their plan. 11 –13 He and Des Grieux take cover as a group of women prisoners are brought out into the square — the ship on which they are condemned to sail to America is ready to leave. When Manon’s name is called. Des Grieux, risking his own freedom, pleads with the ship’s captain to be allowed to go with her. Moved by his anguish, the captain finally agrees to take him on as a cabin boy, with a shout of joy Des Grieux rushes on board.

Act Four

A desolate plain in Louisiana. 14–16 Manon and Des Grieux have fled here after landing in New Orleans. Both are exhausted, and Manon is ill. Overwhelmed with remorse, she begs Des Grieux to leave her, but he wishes only to die with her. 17 Finally he goes in search of help and shelter. As night falls over the vast horizon, Manon is overcome by despair and terror, imagining herself alone, lost and abandoned. 18 When Des Grieux returns, without help, Manon pledges her eternal love and dies in his arms.