Richard Coeur-de-lion (opera) performances by that company by 1910. Another 302 were given at the Théâtre Lyrique between 1856 and 1868. A translated semi-opera version of Sedaine's work "Richard Cœur de lion" was written by John Burgoyne with music by Thomas Linley the elder for the Drury Lane Theatre where it was very successful in 1788. "Richard Cœur-de-lion" played an important role in the development of "opéra comique" in its treatment of a serious, historical subject. It was also one of the first rescue operas. Significantly, one of the chief characters in the most famous rescue opera of all, Beethoven's "Fidelio", is called
Fidelio and Fidelio come to dig his grave. As they dig, Rocco urges Fidelio to hurry ("Wie kalt ist es in diesem unterirdischen Gewölbe!"—"How cold it is in this underground chamber" and "Nur hurtig fort, nur frisch gegraben"—"Come get to work and dig", the "Gravedigging Duet"). Florestan awakes and Fidelio recognizes him. When Florestan learns that the prison he is in belongs to Pizarro, he asks that a message be sent to his wife, Leonore, but Rocco says that it is impossible. Florestan begs for a drop to drink, and Rocco tells Fidelio to give him one. Florestan does not recognize