Lully: Cadmus & Hermione

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the world of 17th-century French opera with Jean-Baptiste Lully's "Cadmus & Hermione." This 2019 release from Château de Versailles Spectacles is a meticulously crafted recording of Lully's 1673 tragédie en musique, widely regarded as the first true French opera. The album spans a grand total of 51 tracks, offering a comprehensive journey through the tragic love story of Cadmus and Hermione, as penned by librettist Philippe Quinault.

Jean-Baptiste Lully, a prominent composer of his time, masterfully blends orchestral and vocal elements to create a rich tapestry of sound. The opera's intricate plot, centered around a romantic quadrangle involving heroes, royalty, and gods, is brought to life through the exquisite performances captured in this recording. The album's duration of two hours ensures that listeners can fully appreciate the depth and complexity of Lully's composition.

This recording, led by Vincent Dumestre, was made in November 2019 and is set for a deluxe CD release in 2021 through Château de Versailles Spectacles. The meticulous attention to detail in this production makes it a standout addition to any classical music collection. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Cadmus & Hermione" offers a captivating exploration of one of the foundational works in French opera history.

January 1, 2019

2019 Château de Versailles Spectacles

2021 Château de Versailles Spectacles

About Jean-Baptiste Lully

Jean-Baptiste Lully, born in Florence in 1632, was a titan of French Baroque music, despite his Italian roots. His life's work was deeply intertwined with the opulent court of Louis XIV, where he served as a composer, dancer, and instrumentalist. Lully's influence was so profound that he effectively controlled French court music from 1662 onwards, and his style resonated throughout Europe. He is renowned for his operas and his collaborations with the playwright Molière on numerous comédie-ballets, including the iconic "Le Bourgeois gentilhomme."

Lully's contributions to music are vast, with over 40 ballets and a significant body of sacred music to his name. He is credited with founding the French opera genre, creating a unique style of musical declamation that perfectly suited the French language. His tragic death in 1687, resulting from an infection caused by a conducting stick, only adds to the dramatic narrative of his life. Lully's legacy endures, making him a pivotal figure in the history of European music.