Composer

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Elizabeth-Claude Jacquet de la Guerre

Genre

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Opera

Style

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Opera

"Cephale et Procris" is an opera composed by Elizabeth-Claude Jacquet de la Guerre, a French composer, harpsichordist, and singer. The opera was composed in 1694 and premiered at the Académie Royale de Musique in Paris on November 10, 1694. The plot of the opera is based on the Greek myth of Cephalus and Procris. Cephalus, a handsome young man, is married to Procris, a beautiful woman. However, Cephalus is unfaithful to Procris and falls in love with Aurora, the goddess of dawn. Procris, heartbroken, decides to leave Cephalus and goes to live in the forest. There, she meets a mysterious stranger who gives her a magical spear that never misses its target. Meanwhile, Cephalus realizes his mistake and tries to win back Procris. He goes to the forest and, mistaking Procris for a wild animal, throws the magical spear at her, killing her instantly. Cephalus is devastated and decides to kill himself, but is stopped by the gods, who transform him and Procris into constellations in the sky. The opera is divided into five acts and features arias, recitatives, and choruses. The music is characterized by its elegance, lyricism, and emotional depth. Jacquet de la Guerre's use of harmony and counterpoint is particularly notable, as is her skill in creating vivid characterizations through music. The premiere of "Cephale et Procris" was a great success, and the opera was performed several times in Paris in the following years. However, it was not as popular as some of Jacquet de la Guerre's other works, and it fell into obscurity in the 18th century. It was not until the 20th century that the opera was rediscovered and revived, and it is now considered one of Jacquet de la Guerre's most important works.

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