Composer

:

Jean-Baptiste Lully

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Publication Date

:

1680

First Performance

:

Feb 3, 1680

Average_duration

:

141:09

Movement_count

:

87

Movement ....

"Proserpine" is an opera composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, with a libretto by Philippe Quinault. It was first performed at the Palais-Royal in Paris on February 3, 1680. The opera is based on the myth of Proserpine, the Roman goddess of the underworld, who is abducted by Pluto, the god of the underworld, and taken to his realm. The story follows Proserpine's struggle to come to terms with her new life in the underworld, and her eventual return to the world above. The opera is divided into five acts, each with its own set of musical movements. The first act introduces the characters and sets the scene, with a prologue sung by the god Apollo. The second act sees Proserpine's abduction by Pluto, and her arrival in the underworld. The third act focuses on Proserpine's attempts to adjust to her new life, and her growing feelings of despair. The fourth act sees the intervention of the gods, who attempt to negotiate Proserpine's release from the underworld. The final act sees Proserpine's eventual return to the world above, and her reunion with her mother, Ceres. Lully's music for "Proserpine" is characterized by its use of dance rhythms and elaborate vocal ornamentation. The opera features a large orchestra, including strings, winds, and brass, as well as a chorus. Lully's use of dance rhythms reflects his background as a court composer, where dance was an important part of courtly entertainment. The vocal writing is also highly ornamented, with singers expected to perform elaborate runs and trills. "Proserpine" was a popular opera in its time, and was performed frequently throughout the 18th century. It is considered one of Lully's most successful works, and helped to establish the French operatic tradition. The opera's themes of love, loss, and redemption continue to resonate with audiences today, making it a timeless work of art.

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