Der Nordstern

Giacomo Meyerbeer, the master of French grand opera, was inspired to write this overture by the radiance of the North Star. The comic opera of the same name centres around the character of Catherine, who dresses as a soldier to undertake military service in place of her brother, and is ultimately crowned as the Russian Tsarina, also known as the North Star.

The overture reflects these contrasting worlds, as sinister rhythms expressing the military spirit are juxtaposed with a cantilena motif, representing the star and the prediction of Catherine’s destiny.