Composer

:

Jean-Baptiste Lully

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Publication Date

:

1686

First Performance

:

Feb 15, 1686

Average_duration

:

138:39

Movement_count

:

69

Movement ....

Armide is an opera composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully with a libretto by Philippe Quinault. It was first performed at the Paris Opera on February 15, 1686. The opera is based on Torquato Tasso's epic poem "Jerusalem Delivered" and tells the story of the sorceress Armide, who falls in love with the Christian knight Renaud, but is torn between her love for him and her duty to her people. The plot of Armide revolves around the love story between Armide and Renaud. Armide, a powerful sorceress, is determined to avenge her people against the Christians who have invaded their land. She captures Renaud, a Christian knight, and plans to kill him. However, she falls in love with him and decides to spare his life. Renaud, unaware of Armide's true identity, also falls in love with her. Armide is torn between her love for Renaud and her duty to her people. She eventually decides to use her magic to make Renaud fall out of love with her and return to his Christian duties. Renaud, heartbroken, leaves Armide and returns to his army. Armide, devastated, decides to destroy herself and her magic palace. The opera is composed of five acts and features a variety of musical styles, including recitatives, arias, and choruses. Lully's music is characterized by its use of dance rhythms and elaborate vocal ornamentation. The opera also features a large orchestra, including strings, winds, and brass, as well as a harpsichord and theorbo. Armide was a popular opera during Lully's time and was performed frequently throughout Europe. It was also influential in the development of French opera, as it helped establish the tradition of using dance and spectacle in opera productions. The opera's themes of love, duty, and sacrifice continue to resonate with audiences today.

More....