Dialogues of the Carmelites

The opera of French composer Francis Poulenc "Dialogues of the Carmelites" was created in 1956 for Milanese theater La Scala. The tragic story from the time of the Great French Revolution, which was described by G. Bernanos, is laid in the base of the plot.
…Revolutionary officials publish the decree about the liquidation of the nunnery of Carmelite Order. The nuns leading by the abbess doom themselves to the death of a martyr on the scaffold. The daughter of marquis de la Force – Blanche, who was hidden in the sacred abode during this bloody time, decided to meet her destiny worthy and to share the sorrowful fate of her rescuers...
"Dialogues of the Carmelites" can be named as one of the brightest creations of Francis Poulenc in which the composer achieves the highest tragic power. Expressive melodious female parts, rich musical texture of the composition made it desired at the stages of the greatest opera theaters of the world. "Dialogues of the Carmelites" was performed in Paris, London, San Francisco. And the part of the main heroine – Blanche – beautified the repertory of outstanding world sopranos: Frenchwoman Denise Duval, Englishwoman Kiri Te Kanawa, American Carol Vaness.