Significant French Operas
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Dardanus
Tragedy in a prologue and 5 acts
Music by Jean-Philippe Rameau
Libretto by Leclerc de la Bruyère
First Performance: Opéra [Académie royale], Paris, November 19, 1739
Cast:
Dardanus Tenor
Teucer Bass
Iphise Soprano
Anténor Bass
Isménor Bass
Vénus Soprano
L'Amour Soprano
3 Songes Soprano, Contralto,
Bass
Chorus: SSATB (Warriors, magicians, Phyrgians, Songes, Jeux and Plaisirs)
Ballet: Menuet, Tambourins, Rigaudons, Menuets, Gavottes, Chaconne
Background
Synopsis
Teucer
is at war with Dardanus, son of Jupiter, and has promised to marry his
daughter Iphise to Antenor, a neighboring king. With the help of the
magician Ismenor, Dardanus meets Iphise; they reveal their love for each
other. He is saved from being killed through the intervention of Venus;
and other gods join her.
A monster is sent to ravage Teucer's coasts, but Dardanus now comes
to his enemy's aid and destroys the monster just as it is attacking
Teucer. Peace is made between them, and Dardanus and Phise are united.
Libretto
Links
Last updated: January 22, 2008