About the work
A conte lyrique with a prologue and three acts by Jules Massenet, with a libretto by Armand Silvestre and Eugène Morand after their own 1891 mystery play on the medieval legend of patient Griselda. It premiered on 20 November 1901 at the Paris Opéra-Comique, with Lucienne Bréval in the title role.
Plot
While her husband, the Marquis de Saluces, is away on crusade, the Devil tests the fidelity of his wife Grisélidis, conjuring up her former suitor Alain and even abducting her child. Grisélidis withstands every temptation until the marquis returns, exposes the Devil's trickery, and the family is reunited.
Cultural significance
Massenet began composing the work in 1893, set it aside for 'Cendrillon' and 'Sapho', and substantially reworked it only in 1900 ahead of the premiere. Critics praised its blend of religious, lyrical and comic tone and Albert Carré's staging with its lighting effects; by 1950 the opera had reached 73 performances at the Opéra-Comique without ever entering the core repertoire.