Japheth’s Twelve Wives

Music by Victor Roger; Jared Pierce, Piano

Japheth’s Twelve Wives was first performed at the Théâtre de la Renaissance in 1890. The Renaissance opened in 1873, its director in 1890 was Paul Letombe, and it is still in operation today. It seats 750. The piano part performed here was reduced from the orchestral score and published in 1891.

 

Overture

Act I

Wives’ Chorus (We have just returned . . .)

Arabella’s Rondeau (Look at this newspaper . . .)

Wives’ Chorus, reprise

Deborah’s Couplets (In the past you were more tender . . .)

Chorus and Benedicite (We are called to dine . . .)

Chorus (We are Paterson’s wives . . .)

Wives’ Chorus (All in a row . . .)

Wives’ Chorus (Such insolence . . .)

Finale (I feel such sadness . . .)

Intermission, Waltz

Act II

Wives’ Chorus (It is extraordinary . . .)

Incidental music as wives are placed into cells

Wives’ Chorus (We’ve just arrived from America . . .)

Incidental music, end of Act II

Intermission, Polka

Act III

Men’s Chorus (We hope and pray . . .)

Men’s Chorus, reprise

Wives’ Chorus and Beatrice Solo (Since we’re invited to the ball . . .)

Arabella’s Couplets and Wives’ Chorus (To tell the truth . . .)

Quadrille (Now gentlemen . . .)

Final Chorus (Let’s not go back to America . . .)