The Story of Raymonda

SCENE 1: FÊTE DE RAYMONDA

Princess Raymonda’s celebrates her name day, gathering with her fiancé, Jean de Brienne, a Knight, and her friends Clemence, Henriette, Beranger, and Bernard. A regal proclamation is made to compose a glorious hymn in Raymonda’s honor. Everyone enjoys the festivities, dancing a grand waltz.

The party is interrupted by the arrival of the King’s guards who call Jean de Brienne to join the crusades. Jean feels compelled to serve and he agrees to go to battle. He consoles Raymonda who is saddened to say goodbye. Jean asks Raymonda to wait for him, promising to marry her upon his return. Jean gives Raymonda a lovely scarf to remember him.

SCENE 2: RAYMONDA’S SALON

Raymonda is despondent, longing for Jean. She passes the time with her friends, who try to keep Raymonda’s spirits high. When Clemence, Henriette, Beranger, and Bernard depart, Raymonda falls into a deep sleep.