Le Timbre d’argent

Synopsis

Act I

It is Christmas eve, and a little-known Viennese painter, Conrad, rebels against his impoverished circumstances. Nothing can relieve his despair, not the happiness of the people, or his friend Bénédict, or the doctor. Not even his humble sweetheart, Hélène, whose sister Rosa is about to marry Bénédict. Infatuated by a black-hearted ballet dancer, whom he has painted as Circe, Conrad accuses the doctor Spiridion of bringing him bad luck and being the devil incarnate. Overwhelmed by the sound of festive songs and his self-hatred, he faints in front of the portrait, which seems to be mocking him. In his dream, a chorus of nymphs sing as Circe dances under the command of the doctor, who has now changed his appearance. He gives Conrad a magic object, a silver bell which, each time it is rung, causes the death of an innocent person, but brings him riches beyond belief. When he wakes, the bewitched Conrad strikes the bell. There is a cascade of gold, but Hélène’s and Rosa’s father falls down dead at his door.

Act II

At the theatre, the ballet dancer Fiametta receives tributes from her admirers: diamonds from Conrad, whose sudden wealth is causing a stir, and a tiara from Spiridion who, in the guise of a marquis, wants to incite Conrad to further murders. Fiametta practises her “Dance of the Bee” for them. Both rivals promise her a palace and compete at the gaming table. When Fiametta slips away to perform on stage, Bénédict manages to approach his friend and invite him to his wedding. Hélène, hidden behind a tapestry, sings of a simple, modest life of happiness, but Conrad will not relinquish his dangerous passion. On stage, Fiametta is a triumphant success. When the curtain falls, the marquis reappears dressed as an Italian strolling player and transforms the stage of the theatre into a palace prepared for a banquet. Ignored by his beloved and learning that he is ruined, Conrad chases the guests away and wrecks the feast, trying his utmost to resist the temptation of the silver bell.

Act III

In the cottage given by Conrad to the young women to make up for their father’s murder, Rosa is preparing for her wedding and begs Hélène to tell her why she is so sad. Bénédict brings Conrad to see them. Although he had buried the silver bell in the cottage garden, he seems determined to repent. However, Spiridion and Fiametta appear, dressed as travellers: the dancer promises to love Conrad even though he is now poor again. Wild with joy, Conrad wants to present her with a fortune and goes to dig up the talisman. Disguised as gypsies, Spiridion and Fiametta liven up the wedding by performing supernatural dances, during which Bénédict falls down dead. Fiametta leads Conrad away.

Act IV

It is carnival night and the masked revellers choose Conrad as their king of the fools. He cannot forget the bell, which lies at the bottom of a riverbed. Spiridion fuels his torment by summoning up a fantastic ballet in which Fiametta is dazzling as Circe. Conrad appeals to Hélène, who confronts the courtesan. In a fit of delirium, Conrad calls for the bell so that he may kill Hélène. The ghost of Bénédict hands it to him. Finding the strength to break it, Conrad collapses and falls victim to Spiridion. In his studio, Conrad wakes from a long nightmare. The crisis is over and he asks for Hélène’s hand in marriage, cheerfully accepting the prospect of a humble, hardworking life.