Opera Lafayette continues to broaden horizons in the realm of early opera, shedding light on French 17th- and 18th-century musical masterpieces. Pioneering this movement since its inception in 1995-96 in Washington, D.C., the company dazzled its audience in New York City with a laudable, modern-first performance of Jean-Joseph Mouret’s charming Les Fêtes ou le Triomphe de Thalie.
The history of Opera Lafayette is marked by its journey from chamber pieces and one-act operas to grander, rarely-performed works of Rameau and Lully. Their specializations, including opéra-comiques, have been recorded for posterity on the Naxos label, with striking performances that bridge North American and European talent under Ryan Brown’s musical direction.
Opera Lafayette has also invested effort in contextualizing its revivals with insightful talks and scholarly writings in its meticulous program publications. Paying homage to influential 18th-century women, the group has found inspiration for its seasons reflected in historic figures, culminating in a season centered on Madame de Maintenon.
Mouret, although often overlooked with his music seldomly performed or recorded, gained a sliver of eternal fame for his Rondeau, which became synonymous with PBS’s Masterpiece Theatre in the 1970s. His work reemerges with Opera Lafayette’s edition, pieced together by harpsichordist Korneel Bernolet, highlighting the genre of opéra-ballet which flourished as a more approachable contrast to more serious tragédie lyrique.
The humorously engaging Les Fêtes de Thalie navigates through the stages of womanhood with laughter and wit, giving space for zesty ariettes and lively ballet music. Despite some rough edges, Opera Lafayette’s ensemble polished their performance under Christophe Rousset’s skillful baton, drawing out the charisma inherent in Mouret’s music.
While varying in fame and success, all artists contributed their unique flavors to the production, with particular praise for the elegant portray of femininity and the moments of comedic brilliance which each performer brought to their roles.
Further enriching New York’s longstanding tradition of French baroque productions, Opera Lafayette’s recent endeavors present an artful blend of theatrical and musical brilliance. As the company looks forward to celebrating its 30th season, audiences can expect to experience the world premiere of Edmond Dédé’s Morgiane, pioneering in its early recognition of Black American composition.
In conclusion, Opera Lafayette’s curated festivities showcase a week of baroque magnificence, reviving hidden gems that continue to captivate the modern listener as they did centuries ago.
FAQ about Opera Lafayette’s Production of ‘Les Fêtes ou le Triomphe de Thalie’
- Q: What is Opera Lafayette known for?
- A: Opera Lafayette has built a reputation for reviving and performing French baroque operas from the 17th and 18th centuries, often incorporating historically informed practices.
- Q: Who was the composer of ‘Les Fêtes ou le Triomphe de Thalie’?
- A: The opera was composed by Jean-Joseph Mouret.
- Q: What is an opéra-ballet?
- A: Opéra-ballet is a genre that emerged in the late 17th Century, typically consisting of a prologue followed by several short, independent operas with heavy dance elements.
- Q: What does Mouret’s ‘Les Fêtes de Thalie’ focus on?
- A: It humorously explores the three stages of womanhood: The Girl, The Wife, and The Coquettish Widow, through lively music and dance.
- Q: Who led the musical performance of ‘Les Fêtes de Thalie’?
- A: Christophe Rousset, known for his expertise in baroque repertoire, conducted the Opera Lafayette orchestra for this performance.
Conclusion
Opera Lafayette’s rendition of ‘Les Fêtes ou le Triomphe de Thalie’ serves as a poignant reminder of the timeless allure and comedic strength found in historical operatic works. Through meticulous performance and scholarly context, Opera Lafayette has, yet again, bridged the gap between past and present, entertaining and educating modern audiences with the rich tapestries of French baroque music and dance.