Le timbre d’argent (The Silver Bell) is an opéra fantastique in four acts by composer Camille Saint-Saëns to a French libretto by Jules Barbier and Michel Carré. Although completed in 1865, the opera did not receive its premiere performance until 23 February 1877, when it was presented by Albert Vizentini's Théâtre National Lyrique at the Théâtre de la Gaîté in Paris. It includes the well-known aria "Le bonheur est chose légère."
| Original Name | Le timbre d’argent |
| Librettist | Jules Barbier; Michel Carré |
| Date of composition | 1865 (1864-1865) |
| Premiered | 1877, February 23rd (Théâtre de la Gaîté) in Paris, France |
| First published | 1877 |
| Dedicated to | Albert Libon |
| Type | Opera |
| Spoken language | French |
| Instruments |
Voice (Baritone)
- Dr. Spiridion
Orchestra Chorus/Choir Voice (Tenor) - Conrad Silent Role - Circé/Fiammetta Voice (Soprano) - Hélène Voice (Soprano) - Rosa Voice (Tenor) - Bénédict |
| Autotranslations beta |
Camille Saint-Saëns: The Silver Bell "Drame lyrique en quatre actes" Camille Saint-Saëns: The Silver Bell "Drame lyrique en quatre actes" Camille Saint-Saëns: The Silver Bell "Drame lyrique en quatre actes" |