La Carmélite

Despite a subtitle that makes reference to a later musical tradition, Hahn’s work is resolutely light in tone. It brings to the stage the true story of the love affair between Louis XIV and Louise, the future duchess of La Vallière, who meet by chance at a ballet rehearsal. The feelings the young woman has for the king, devoid of ulterior motive, earn her his love in return. The remarkably realistic representation of Louise taking the veil caused a scandal in the press and the scene was shortened from the second performance of the work onwards.