Composer

:

Jean-Baptiste Lully

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Publication Date

:

1670

First Performance

:

Jan 17, 1671

Movement_count

:

38

Movement ....

'Psyché' is an opera composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully in 1678. The libretto was written by Philippe Quinault, and the opera was first performed at the Royal Palace of Versailles on January 19, 1678. The opera is based on the myth of Cupid and Psyche, and it tells the story of Psyche, a mortal woman who falls in love with Cupid, the god of love. The opera is divided into five acts, and it features a prologue and an epilogue. The prologue introduces the audience to the story of Cupid and Psyche, and it sets the stage for the rest of the opera. The first act begins with Psyche's father, who is worried about her future. He consults an oracle, who tells him that Psyche is destined to marry a monster. The second act introduces Cupid, who falls in love with Psyche and decides to make her his wife. The third act features Psyche's sisters, who are jealous of her happiness and try to convince her to betray Cupid. The fourth act sees Psyche fall into a deep sleep, and Cupid must rescue her from the underworld. The final act features the wedding of Cupid and Psyche, and the epilogue celebrates their love. 'Psyché' is known for its beautiful music and elaborate staging. The opera features a large cast of singers, dancers, and actors, and it includes a variety of musical styles, including recitative, aria, and chorus. The opera also features elaborate sets and costumes, which were designed to transport the audience to the world of ancient Greece. One of the most notable characteristics of 'Psyché' is its use of dance. Lully was known for his skill as a dancer, and he incorporated dance into many of his operas. In 'Psyché', dance is used to convey emotion and to enhance the drama of the story. The opera also features a number of ballets, which were performed by professional dancers. 'Psyché' was a great success when it premiered in 1678, and it remained popular throughout the 18th century. The opera was revived in the 20th century, and it is still performed today. It is considered one of Lully's greatest works, and it is a testament to his skill as a composer and his ability to create elaborate and beautiful operas.

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