Roma

Based on Rome vaincue by Alexandre Parodi, Roma by Jules Massenet almost feels like a remake of La Vestale by Gaspare Spontini. Hannibal has just defeated the Roman army, and the oracle attributes this defeat to a vestal virgin who has broken her vows. Suspicion falls upon Fausta, who is stabbed by her grandmother, Posthumia, to spare her from an agonising death. This subject appealed to Massenet who, at the end of his life, showed a keen interest in the classical era. Clearly serving his subject, Massenet produced a solemn, serious score, whose impassioned elements were skilfully managed.