The passion who Erik felt towards music induced him to
compose his work titled Don Juan Triumphant.
According to Leroux's novel we can't know what kind of
musical composition it was exactly because he never detail it
. He was composing it during twenty years. It could mean to
us that this musical work reflected in part his own life.
It had to be a gorgeous music which he never allow Christine
listen it though it was listened secretly by daroga who
qualified it as wonderful.
Possibly, Erik could consider this sheet music as a Requiem :
daroga's words could make us think this idea.
-"One day, tired of waiting for an opportunity, I moved the stone and at once heard
an astounding music: the monster was working at his Don Juan Triumphant, with
every door in his house wide open. I knew that this was the work of his life. I was
careful not to stir and remained prudently in my dark hole.
He stopped playing, for a moment, and began walking about his place, like a
madman. And he said aloud, at the top of his voice:
"It must be finished first! Quite finished!"- Leroux, chapter XXII.
What did he want to say with "first"? Perhaps Erik could
forebode that his end was near...?
In chapter XII :
"I compose sometimes. I began that work twenty years ago. When I have finished, I
shall take it away with me in that coffin and never wake up again."
Why Erik didn't allow his music could be listened for no one? Why did
he want to be buried with his own composition?
This is probably one of the secrets which Erik took to his grave.
Another particularity about Don Juan Triumphant is the title itself.
Perhaps it is based in Spanish "Don Juan Tenorio" play.
The first Don Juan or "The stone guest" was written by Tirso de
Molina (a priest) in XVII Century where this character was
condemned by God to eternal fire.
The second Don Juan Tenorio by Jose Zorrilla in XIX Century, Don
Juan repents himself for all his sins and God saves his soul.
Both endings are different, but the story itself is quite similar : Don
Juan's archetype is the classic character "bon vivant" who seduced
women by his good presence and his loving language, deceiving
them without regrets.
Famous writers and composers were inspired by this legend to create
their works: Lord Byron, Moliere, even Mozart and his very known
opera Don Giovanni.
Surely Erik chose this name making an irony of his own life...
If you want to read (English translated) this theatrical play by Zorrilla here
it is.
Please, don't copy this text and photos without my permission.
compose his work titled Don Juan Triumphant.
According to Leroux's novel we can't know what kind of
musical composition it was exactly because he never detail it
. He was composing it during twenty years. It could mean to
us that this musical work reflected in part his own life.
It had to be a gorgeous music which he never allow Christine
listen it though it was listened secretly by daroga who
qualified it as wonderful.
Possibly, Erik could consider this sheet music as a Requiem :
daroga's words could make us think this idea.
-"One day, tired of waiting for an opportunity, I moved the stone and at once heard
an astounding music: the monster was working at his Don Juan Triumphant, with
every door in his house wide open. I knew that this was the work of his life. I was
careful not to stir and remained prudently in my dark hole.
He stopped playing, for a moment, and began walking about his place, like a
madman. And he said aloud, at the top of his voice:
"It must be finished first! Quite finished!"- Leroux, chapter XXII.
What did he want to say with "first"? Perhaps Erik could
forebode that his end was near...?
In chapter XII :
"I compose sometimes. I began that work twenty years ago. When I have finished, I
shall take it away with me in that coffin and never wake up again."
Why Erik didn't allow his music could be listened for no one? Why did
he want to be buried with his own composition?
This is probably one of the secrets which Erik took to his grave.
Another particularity about Don Juan Triumphant is the title itself.
Perhaps it is based in Spanish "Don Juan Tenorio" play.
The first Don Juan or "The stone guest" was written by Tirso de
Molina (a priest) in XVII Century where this character was
condemned by God to eternal fire.
The second Don Juan Tenorio by Jose Zorrilla in XIX Century, Don
Juan repents himself for all his sins and God saves his soul.
Both endings are different, but the story itself is quite similar : Don
Juan's archetype is the classic character "bon vivant" who seduced
women by his good presence and his loving language, deceiving
them without regrets.
Famous writers and composers were inspired by this legend to create
their works: Lord Byron, Moliere, even Mozart and his very known
opera Don Giovanni.
Surely Erik chose this name making an irony of his own life...
If you want to read (English translated) this theatrical play by Zorrilla here
it is.
Please, don't copy this text and photos without my permission.
There are classic Theatre versions:
Books:
Musicals:
Movies:
Opera:
Versions:
