From the Palais Garnier, Paris,
Jean-Philippe Rameau 's controversial first opera. This tragic tale of incestuous love centres around
Theseus, King of Athens, his wife Phaedra and her guilty love for stepson Hippolytus. He, in turn, is in love with the princess Aricia, who, as the last descendent of Theseus's enemy Pallas, has been forced by Theseus to take a vow of chastity.
With the goddess Diana standing by to protect the lovers Hippolytus and Aricia, and Theseus's father Neptune on hand to aid and abet. how will it all end? Sung in French, to a libretto by Simon-Joseph Pellegrin. Introduced by Donald Macleod.
Les Arts Florissants, conductor William Christie
Prologue; Act 1
7.35 This Fool's One Concern Is
Noise
Rameau's turbulent career at the Paris
Opera is explored by Graham Sadler.
7.55 Acts 2 and 3 8.55 Emasculating a Masterpiece Graham Sadler charts the damaging revisions which Rameau's Hippolyte underwent during its first run.
9.15 Acts 4 and 5