Composer

:

Jean-Baptiste Lully

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Publication Date

:

1708

First Performance

:

? 1674 01 18

Average_duration

:

158:25

Movement_count

:

86

Movement ....

"Alceste, ou Le triomphe d'Alcide" is an opera composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, with a libretto by Philippe Quinault. The opera was first performed on January 19, 1674, at the Théâtre du Palais-Royal in Paris. The plot of the opera is based on the Greek myth of Alcestis, who sacrifices herself to save her husband Admetus from death. In Lully's version, the hero Alcide (Hercules) is called upon to rescue the princess Alceste from the underworld, where she has been taken by the god of death, Thanatos. Alcide succeeds in his mission, and Alceste is restored to life. The opera ends with a celebration of Alcide's triumph. "Alceste, ou Le triomphe d'Alcide" is divided into five acts, each with its own set of musical numbers. The opera features a variety of musical styles, including recitative, aria, and chorus. Lully's music is characterized by its rhythmic energy and melodic inventiveness, as well as its use of dance rhythms and instrumental color. The premiere of "Alceste, ou Le triomphe d'Alcide" was a great success, and the opera went on to become one of Lully's most popular works. It was performed frequently throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, and was revived in the 20th century by the conductor and musicologist William Christie. "Alceste, ou Le triomphe d'Alcide" is notable for its use of dance, which was a hallmark of French opera in the 17th century. Lully was a master of the dance forms of his time, and his operas often featured elaborate ballets and dance interludes. In "Alceste, ou Le triomphe d'Alcide," the dance music is integrated seamlessly into the dramatic action, adding to the emotional impact of the opera. Overall, "Alceste, ou Le triomphe d'Alcide" is a masterpiece of French Baroque opera, showcasing Lully's skill as a composer and his ability to create a powerful and emotionally engaging work of art. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its enduring appeal and its place in the canon of Western classical music.

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