Le Cid is an opera in four acts and ten tableaux composed by Jules Massenet and written by Adolphe-Philippe D'Ennery, Édouard Blau and Louis Gallet, based on the homologous play by Pierre Corneille. The story is inspired by the Spanish epic The Song of the Cid, which narrates the feats of Rodrigo Diaz in the 11^th century. The opera premiered in Paris in 1885 and is well known for a ballet characterised by a series of colourful Spanish dances.

Rodrigue, who has been knighted by the king, is a beloved gentleman, son of Don Diègue and engaged to Chimène, the daughter of the Count of Gormas. However, tragedy soon hits the brave Rodrigue when he is torn between his love for his fiancée and his need to avenge his father, who has been dishonored by his future father-in-law. Rodrigue kills the Count, and Chimène, blinded by grief, goes to the King to demand retribution. The King responds by sending Rodrigue to war against the Moors. Against all odds, the young knight returns victorious and the lovers finally reconcile after Chimène, given the choice to decide the young man’s fate, decides to forgive him.