Many operatic works have been described as “revolutionary,” but on today’s date in 1830, a performance of an opera helped to spark a real, take-to-the-streets kind of revolution.
The opera in question was by the French composer Daniel Auber, and entitled La Muette di Portici, or The Mute Girl of Portici. The opera’s story concerns a 17th century uprising by some patriots in Naples against their Spanish rulers ends with an erupting Italian volcano.
On today’s date in 1830 it was being staged at the Theatre La Monnaie in Brussels, a country then under the control of the Dutch. The opera’s story of evil occupiers and patriotic rebels must have touched a raw nerve in many in the Belgian audience.
Upon hearing the line in the opera, “a slave knows no danger, as death is better than living in chains,” some in the audience began a demonstration against the hated Dutch authorities. The demonstration grew more and more heated, and then, just like the volcano in Auber’s opera, erupted out of the theater and into the streets. Symbols of Dutch authority were attacked, a new provisional government was formed, and by November that same year Belgium had declared its independence.
Daniel Auber (1782-1871): La Muette de Portici; soloists; Monte Carlo Philharmonic; Thomas Fulton, conductor; EMI 49248