The Flower Duet
Lakmé had its premiere at the Opera Comique in Paris in 1883. It became a great success, largely due to its difficult and highly melodic leading coloratura soprano role.
The Opera is set in 19th century India. It opens with the militant Brahmin priest Nilakantha and his daughter Lakmé gathering with their followers in a sacred garden to pray for the departure of the occupying British. Despite her hatred of the occupying forces, Lakmé falls in love with a British officer, Gérald. Enraged, her father threatens to kill her lover. Eventually, Gérald’s friend manages to persuade him that he is merely infatuated. Knowing that she has lost him, Lakmé eats a poisonous datura flower. As she lies dying in his arms, Nilakantha bursts in upon them. Lakmé commands her father not to kill Gérald; the gods will be satisfied with one victim - herself. She dies ecstatic in her grieving lover’s arms, as Nilakantha rejoices that his daughter is with the gods.
The Flower Duet is sung during Act 1 of the opera between Lakmé and her companion Mallika as they observe the tranquil beauty of the gardens of temple at which Nilakantha presides.