Composer

:

Michel Pignolet de Montéclair

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Average_duration

:

14:16

Le Dépit généreux is a French Baroque opera-ballet composed by Michel Pignolet de Montéclair. It was first performed on February 24, 1716, at the Paris Opera. The opera-ballet consists of a prologue and three acts, with a libretto by Antoine Houdar de la Motte. The prologue of Le Dépit généreux is a pastoral scene that features the god Apollo and the muses. The first act takes place in a forest, where the shepherdess Climène is in love with the shepherd Alcidor. However, Alcidor is in love with the shepherdess Amarante. Climène is heartbroken and decides to leave the forest. The second act takes place in a palace, where Amarante is being courted by the prince Tircis. Alcidor arrives at the palace and declares his love for Amarante, but she rejects him. Climène also arrives at the palace and reveals her love for Alcidor. Tircis challenges Alcidor to a duel, but Amarante intervenes and convinces Tircis to let Alcidor go. The third act takes place in the forest, where Alcidor and Climène are reunited. Tircis arrives and challenges Alcidor to a duel once again, but Amarante intervenes and reveals that she is in love with Tircis. Alcidor and Climène reconcile, and the opera-ballet ends with a celebration of love and forgiveness. Le Dépit généreux is characterized by its pastoral themes and its use of dance. The opera-ballet features several dance interludes, including a minuet, a gavotte, and a chaconne. The music is light and airy, with a focus on melody and harmony. The vocal writing is also notable, with each character having a distinct vocal style and personality. Overall, Le Dépit généreux is a charming and lighthearted opera-ballet that showcases the talents of Michel Pignolet de Montéclair as a composer. Its pastoral themes and use of dance make it a quintessential example of French Baroque opera.

More....