Composer

:

André Cardinal Destouches

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1712

Average_duration

:

99:26

Callirhoé is an opera composed by André Cardinal Destouches in 1712. The plot of the opera revolves around the love story of Callirhoé, a queen of Syracuse, and her lover, Agis, the king of Sparta. The opera is set in ancient Greece and is based on a story from Plutarch's Lives. The opera premiered on November 27, 1712, at the Paris Opera. It was well-received by the audience and became one of the most popular operas of its time. The opera consists of five acts and is written in the French Baroque style. The first movement of the opera begins with a prologue, which sets the scene for the story. The second movement introduces the main characters, Callirhoé and Agis, and their love story. The third movement focuses on the conflict between the two lovers and the obstacles they face in their quest for happiness. The fourth movement is the climax of the opera, where Callirhoé is forced to choose between her love for Agis and her duty as a queen. The final movement resolves the conflict and ends with a happy ending for the two lovers. The music of Callirhoé is characterized by its use of French Baroque style, which is characterized by its ornate melodies, intricate harmonies, and elaborate orchestration. The opera features a large orchestra, including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion, as well as a chorus. Overall, Callirhoé is a masterpiece of French Baroque opera, with its beautiful music, compelling plot, and memorable characters. It remains a popular opera to this day and is still performed in opera houses around the world.

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