Titon et l'Aurore

Pastoral spirit enabled XVIIIth century music to develop its emotive power while depicting nature in all its forms. Among deities and shepherds, a philosopher ponders on the condition of mankind…

This opéra-ballet came out in January 1753 during the “Quarrel of the Comic Actors” triggered by Italian art supporters. Opera matters were political affairs then: Protected by the Pompadour, Mondonville rallied the French supporters around the refinement of the chants, the expressive range of its orchestra and the variety of its effects. All the more so because Jélyotte and Mlle Fe were Rameau’s favourite performers.

Aurore and her shepherd will open this 2021 season in a feast for the senses. Mondonville proponent, William Christie, comes back to the Opéra Comique with this key music score. Trained in France in puppetry, Basil Twist performs visual prodigies. Statutes, deities and elements come to life to the sound of the Art Florissants.