Significant French Operas

Castor et Pollux

Tragedy in a prologue and 5 acts

Music by Jean-Philippe Rameau

Libretto by Pierre Joseph [Gentil] Bernard

First Performance: Opéra [Académie royale], Paris, October 24, 1737

Cast:
Minerve                                               Soprano
Venus                                                   Soprano
L'Amour                                              Tenor
Mars                                                     Bass
Telaire                                                   Soprano
Phebe                                                    Soprano
Castor                                                    Tenor
Pollux                                                     Baritone or bass
Jupiter                                                    Bass
High Priest                                            Tenor
Follower of Phebe                                  Soprano
A Planet                                                 Soprano
Mercury                                                 Mute
Athlete I                                                  High tenor
Athlete II                                                Bass
Happy Spirit                                         Soprano
Chorus: SSATB
Ballet: All entr'actes and during opera

Background

Synopsis

     Pollux, with the approval of his father, Jupiter, enters Hades to try to restore his twin brother Castor to earth. The price is high: he himself must remain below. Phebe, who loves him, tries to restrain him, but Telaire, whom he loves (but who secretly loves Castor), urges him on. The exchange is made, but the grieving Castor says he will remain on earth but one day. Jupiter, moved, restores Pollux to earth, and make him and Castor immortal.

Libretto

• French Libretto

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Last updated: January 22, 2008