“The absolute masterpiece that is Pygmalion remains Rameau’s most frequently performed work of the second half of the 18th century. As was customary at the time, we wanted to build a programme of fragments and thus include another piece written at the same period by a master overlooked in the history of music: Zémide by Pierre Iso. This ballet act was first performed in 1745 at the Académie Royale de Musique.  Rediscovering this piece, we were won over by the quality of the music and its message.

The short, one-act format often – but not always – has a pastoral dimension, where composers could, in a very short space of time, build up a very diverse world of sound with contrasting passages. Rameau even went so far as to turn it into program music, including an evocation of the sound of the artist’s chisel hitting his sculpture.

The subjects are generally taken from the mythology of Ovid or Virgil. The overall tone is light, but with occasional moments of high tension. Because the format is so short, the tension is brief and the release always comes at the end. The pastoral dimension is there, but there are also moments of reflection on politics, for example, which echo the thinking of the time. All the arts are employed: music, dance, poetry, philosophy.”

Reinoud Van Mechelen

For several years now, a nocte temporis and Reinoud Van Mechelen have striven to shine a light on forgotten works. They produce the scores and, based on available sources, endeavour to respect the elements relating to the number of musicians and distribution, the use of stage space, etc. These ballet acts were both premièred at the Académie Royale de Musique, but we know that they were also performed during evenings at the court of Fontainebleau.  To truly showcase these works, Reinoud Van Mechelen takes particular care to respect the text and its pronunciation, phrasing and ornamentation, as well as the dramaturgy specific to this genre. The theme of transformation and triumphant love runs through both pieces.

What makes these performances so unique is the fact that Reinoud Van Mechelen both conducts the orchestra and sings the countertenor roles in these mini-operas. As with every production by a nocte temporis, he is supported by a choice group of musicians and soloists who specialise in this type of repertoire.

Coproduction Royal Opera / Château de Versailles Spectacles, a nocte temporis and the Centre de musique baroque de Versailles.

This program will be recorded on a CD to be released on the Château de Versailles Spectacles label.

Reconstruction of the Missing Sections in Zémide by Benoît Dratwicki (Centre de Musique Baroque de Versailles).

First part: 50 minutes

Intermission 

Second part: 50 minutes

PRESTIGE VIP CATEGORY: Best seats in house with complimentary glass of champagne and programme.

PRESTIGE CATEGORY: Excellent seats with complimentary glass of champagne and programme.

REDUCED RATE: applicable to under 26s, Chateau de Versailles Spectacles card holders and groups of more than 10 people (excluding special company offer).

GROUP RATES: for more information, please refer to our page dedicated to works councils and groups.

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