Composer

:

Jean-Baptiste Lully

Genre

:

Ballet

Style

:

Ballet

First Performance

:

Feb 14, 1658

Movement_count

:

84

Movement ....

"Alcidiane" is a ballet composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully in 1678. The plot revolves around the love story of Alcidiane, a princess, and her lover, Poliphile, a shepherd. The ballet is divided into five movements, each depicting a different scene in the story. The first movement introduces the characters and sets the scene. Alcidiane is shown in her palace, surrounded by her courtiers, while Poliphile is seen tending his sheep in the countryside. The second movement shows Alcidiane dreaming of Poliphile and longing for his love. The third movement depicts a hunting scene, where Alcidiane and her courtiers are out in the forest. Poliphile appears and declares his love for Alcidiane, but she rejects him, causing him to flee. The fourth movement shows Alcidiane regretting her decision and searching for Poliphile. She finally finds him and they reconcile, dancing a pas de deux. The final movement shows the wedding of Alcidiane and Poliphile, with a grand celebration and dance. The ballet premiered on January 18, 1678, at the Palais Royal in Paris, and was performed by the Académie Royale de Musique. It was a great success and was performed numerous times throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. "Alcidiane" is known for its intricate choreography and beautiful music, which combines French and Italian styles. The ballet also features elaborate costumes and sets, which were designed by the famous artist and designer Jean Berain. Overall, "Alcidiane" is a classic example of French Baroque ballet, with its emphasis on courtly love, elaborate costumes, and intricate choreography. It remains a popular work in the ballet repertoire and is still performed today.

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