THE TURKISH PHYSICIAN (1803): A FRENCH OPERA BUFFA BY NICOLÒ ISOUARD

46th International Congress for the History of Pharmacy (2024) (стр. 183-187)

 

АУТОР / AUTHOR(S): Halil Tekiner

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DOI: 10.46793/ISHP46.183T

САЖЕТАК / ABSTRACT:

This study analyzes Nicolò Isouard’s Le Médecin turc (The Turkish Physician), an opera buffa that premiered on November 19, 1803, at the Théâtre de l’Opéra Comique in Paris. Authored by Armand Gouffé and Pierre Villiers, the libretto offers a nuanced critique of early 19th-century medical practices and societal attitudes towards medicine. Set against an orientalist portrayal of Ottoman Istanbul, the opera narrates the story of Khalil, an elderly Turkish apothecary-physician who claims to have discovered a universal cure, as he navigates through ambition and deceit. It addresses themes of medical hubris, the allure of fame, and ethical dilemmas within the profession, while also critiquing the commodification of healthcare and society’s fascination with exotic cures. Drawing on original resources from the French National Library, this analysis highlights Le Médecin turc’s contribution to the tradition of medico-pharmaceutical satire and its ongoing relevance as a piece of social commentary. Incorporating motifs such as a fictional calming potion and the depiction of madness, Isouard’s work showcases the complex interplay between medicine, culture, and society. The opera’s historical and modern revivals in cities such as Paris, Brussels, Vienna, and Frankfurt underscore its significant impact on the opéra comique genre and its enduring importance in the wider artistic landscape.

КЉУЧНЕ РЕЧИ / KEYWORDS:

History of Medicine, History of Pharmacy, Humanities, Medicine in the Arts, Music, Opera

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