Coppélia story guide

ACT I  |  ACT II  |  ACT III

The Gardens of the Duke's mansion, the following evening
The new bell is formally presented by the Duke, who bestows purses of gold upon Franz and Swanilda and another couple who have announced their wedding that day. Coppélius arrives, angry that his doll has been ruined by Swanilda, but the Duke placates him by giving him a purse of gold too.The masque now begins with the 'Dance of the Hours' and the 'Dawn of a New Day'. Then there are dances that illustrate the uses to which the bell will be put: the call to prayer, work, the announcement of a marriage, the call to arms and, finally, the declaration of peace, in which we see Swanilda and Franz express their true love. As everyone departs with the bell, Coppélius, alone and forgotten, discovers that, for once, his mystical powers really have worked.

PETER WRIGHT