Nearly a century after its composition, Persée by Lully was recreated in 1770 on the occasion of an exceptional event: the inauguration of the Royal Opera of the Château de Versailles, built to celebrate the nuptials of the Dauphin (the future Louis XVI) and Marie Antoinette.
MATHIAS VIDAL Persée
HÉLÈNE GUILMETTE Andromède
KATHERINE WATSON Mérope
TASSIS CHRISTOYANNIS Phinée
JEAN TEITGEN Céphée, une Divinité infernale
CHANTAL SANTON-JEFFERY une Éthiopienne, une Nymphe guerrière, Vénus
MARIE LENORMAND Cassiope
CYRILLE DUBOIS un Éthiopien, Mercure
MARIE KALININE Méduse
THOMAS DOLIÉ un Éthiopien, un Cyclope, Sténone, un Triton
ZACHARY WILDER Euryale
Recorded by Manuel MOHINO at the Opéra Royal du château de Versailles
Score edited by Fannie Vernaz (Éditions des Abbesses), in collaboration with the CMBV
For this unique occasion, three composers (Antoine Dauvergne, François Rebel and Bernard de Bury) were asked to rework Lully's work and adapt it to the circumstances and to the new place, which was absolutely extraordinary.
The lovers of Lully's work will find their mythological heroes, but with a richer orchestration, leaving more room for the choir and the ballet... There were only two performances in 1770 but they were incredible: 95 singers, 15 soloists, 80 dancers, 100 extras, 80 musicians, 5 sets, 530 costumes...
Relive this historical event thanks to this recording, directed by the best expert of these repertoires, Hervé Niquet, and thanks to a book richly illustrated with engravings of the time, photos of the Royal Opera and manuscripts of the score.
