(Music Sales America). The Little Prince is a fabulous, moving, and melodic opera by Rachel Portman with luxurious counter melodies and placid harmonies. This opera is based on French philosopher and aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupery's novella, Le Petit Prince, an international classic penned in 1943. While Saint-Exupery's moving parable of self-discovery is the foundation of the opera's appeal, it is Portman's music that gives the work its dramatic impact. The characters are brought to life and portrayed with a delicate combination of humour and poignancy.