Love from afar - Amin Maalouf

The sung "Love from afar" is (Opera) composed by [Keija/Sariaho], and the text is by Amin Maalouf. It was directed by Peter Sellar for the Salzburg Festival in August 2000 under the musical direction of "Kenta Nagano." Dawn Obshao performed the role of Clemence, alongside Dwayne Croft as Geoffrey Rodel, and Dagma Bekoova as the Hajj. The events of the opera take place in the 12th century, between the French province of Akitin, the city of Tripoli, and the sea voyage. It is generally divided into five acts that tell the story of Geoffrey Rodel, prince of the land of Play, who grew tired of the luxurious life that young men his age live, and began to long for a different, distant love, believing beforehand that he would never encounter it. His old comrades and friends blame him for this change that befell him, mocking him… They constantly insisted that the woman he sings about does not exist. However, a returning Hajj from the East assured him that that woman actually exists, and he truly met her — she is nothing but the Countess of Tripoli. Thus, the Hajj decides to arrange a meeting between them, but both lovers from afar feel the bitterness and fear of the encounter, which affects the health of the poet-lover "Geoffrey," who becomes ill, and his illness worsens as he approaches Tripoli, which he reaches while dying. In the presence of the woman he sang about, the poet gradually regains consciousness, and the "distant lovers" meet and hasten to confess their love as the hour of death approaches. They confess their love and embrace, promising eternal love and passion. When "Geoffrey" breathes his last in the arms of "Clemence," the beloved countess defies divine will, blames herself for the tragedy that occurred, and decides to enter the monastery to devote herself to prayer. "It was in Tripoli, near the castle. She was passing through the street heading to the church, and suddenly only she remained of the presence... Conversation faded, and all eyes turned to her like dust-covered butterflies that saw the light at that moment. As for her, she was walking without turning her eyes to anyone, her eyes crawling on the ground in front of her as her dress trailed behind her."