Rameau: Pygmalion

Christophe Rousset and Les Talens Lyriques transport audiences to the stage of the Royal Academy of Music where Jean-Philippe Rameau's Pygmalion was first performed in 1748. This opera in the form of an acte de ballet was inspired by Ovid's Metamorphoses. It tells the story of the sculptor Pygmalion, who falls in love with his own creation. He appeals to the gods to bring her to life, and when his wish is granted, the statue of the beautiful woman falls in love with her creator. Considered to be one of Rameau's greatest successes, the music of this tender and mischievous ballet is filled with the grace of 18th century dances and like Pygmalion's creation, Christophe Rousset new breathes life into this score.