Presented at the age of eight before Louis XIV, who admired this young and talented harpsichordist, Elisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre remained at court for several years, her reputation as an inspired virtuoso growing with age. A brilliant and strong-willed personality, she made it possible for herself to be a composer at a time when such freedom was almost unheard of for a woman… In addition to cantatas, a book of harpsichord music published in 1687 dedicated to Louis XIV, and religious pieces, she composed three operas, of which only her great work with this mythological piece remains, still awaiting its revival…

This tragédie lyrique, with its distinctly Lullian style, marked the debut of a female composer on the grand French stage: a first, but also a successful endeavor, with six performances and a reputation that remained renowned throughout the past century, still arousing curiosity today. In a distinguished haute-contre career, Reinoud Van Mechelen also wishes to conduct works he is determined to defend at all costs: here he is at the helm of his ensemble A Nocte Temporis, reviving Cephalus and Procris in concert and on record, with a dream cast.

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