Laurel Wreath

Par RAMEAU JEAN-PHILIPPE. Rameau’s only extant opera based on a libretto by Voltaire has come down to us in two versions (1745 and 1746), that of 1745 having long been regarded as lost. Volume IV.12 of the “Opera omnia Rameau” now provides a complete edition for the first time and thus the means to perform both versions. Voltaire refers to Metastasio in his libretto, in that he wanted to liberate the opera from the gallant milieu in order to make it a moralising and at the same time both edifying and political work of art for the stage. Following a prologue dedicated to the personified Envy, the tyrants Bélus and Bacchus are chased out of the Temple of Glory and Trajan is finally crowned with a laurel wreath for defeating the rebels, forgiving them and then transforming the Temple of Glory into a public temple. The music contains many remarkable passages, examples being a richly orchestrated overture, the famous monologue “Profonds abîmes du Ténare” with obbligato bassoons and Trajan’s artful final scene “Ramage d’oiseaux”. The opera’s individual instrumental movements are also available in the customary manner now as a practical separate edition. The performance material is available on hire./ Répertoire / Orchestre