Les arts florissants (opera)


Les arts florissants is a short chamber opera in five scenes by Marc-Antoine Charpentier.

History

It was written in 1685 for the group of musicians employed by Marie de Lorraine, Duchess of Guise, at her residence in Paris. The reason behind the creation of this work, as well as its place of performance, remain a matter for speculation. The French libretto, written by an unknown author, is allegorical in nature and draws on aspects of mythological and natural symbolism familiar to 17th-century audiences to add depth to a superficially simple plot.
The story of the opera concerns the eponymous Arts, shown flourishing under the beneficent and peaceful reign of Louis XIV, as they and a group of warriors become drawn into a dispute between the central characters of La paix and La discorde. After a brief struggle in which Discord and his Furies gain the upper hand, Peace appeals to Jupiter to intervene on her behalf. Discord and his followers are chased back into Hades by a hail of thunderbolts, and Peace holds sway once more.

Analysis

The opera is scored for seven solo voices, five-part chorus, two flutes, two treble viols and basso continuo.
The manuscript score also calls for two choruses in the form of a Troupe de Guerriers and a Chœur de Furies chantantes, to be sung by all available singers, and a troupe of Furies dansantes, si l'on veut. The instrumentalists are included in the original character list under the entry Suite de la Musique, and the overture is labelled pour les symphonistes de la Suite de la Musique.

Roles

Selected recordings