Composer

:

Jean-Philippe Rameau

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1733

Publication Date

:

1733

First Performance

:

1733

Average_duration

:

122:06

Hippolyte et Aricie is an opera composed by Jean-Philippe Rameau in 1733. The plot is based on the Greek myth of Hippolytus, the son of Theseus, who falls in love with Aricia, a princess of Athens. However, their love is forbidden as Aricia is a rival to Hippolytus' stepmother, Phaedra. The opera is divided into five acts and features a prologue. The premiere of Hippolyte et Aricie was on October 1, 1733, at the Paris Opera. The opera was a departure from the traditional French opera style, which was dominated by the works of Lully. Rameau's music was more complex and innovative, featuring intricate harmonies and a greater emphasis on orchestration. The movements of the opera are divided into recitatives, arias, and choruses. The recitatives are used to advance the plot and are accompanied by a harpsichord. The arias are more melodic and showcase the vocal talents of the singers. The choruses are used to provide commentary on the action and to create a sense of grandeur. One of the characteristics of Hippolyte et Aricie is the use of dance. Rameau was a renowned composer of dance music, and he incorporated several dance sequences into the opera. The dances are used to express the emotions of the characters and to add to the overall spectacle of the opera. Another characteristic of the opera is the use of mythology. The story of Hippolytus and Aricia is based on Greek mythology, and Rameau incorporates several mythological elements into the opera. The prologue features the goddesses Diana and Cupid, who set the stage for the action to come. Overall, Hippolyte et Aricie is a groundbreaking opera that helped to usher in a new era of French opera. Rameau's innovative music and use of dance and mythology make it a timeless masterpiece.

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