Classical Composer: | Rameau, Jean-Philippe |
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Lyricist: | Cahusac, Louis de |
Work: | Zaïs |
Year Composed: | 1748 |
Instrumentation: | vv, mch, orch |
Publisher: | Éditions Durand |
Duration: | 02:40:00 |
Period: | Baroque (1600-1750) |
Work Category: | Opera |
Work Information
Available Recording(s)
Performed for the first time on 29 February 1748, Zaïs, a heroic ballet in four acts and a prologue, enjoyed a successful run of 36 consecutive performances and was revived twice for another fifty performances. At the première Jélyotte took the title-rôle.
Zaïs, the genius of the Airs, is in love with Zélidie a simple shepherdess. Disguised as a shepherd he declares his love to her and she falls in love with him. Zaïs wants to test Zélidie's love to see if she really loves him as profoundly as he loves her. At the beginning of the second act, Zaïs is in his palace and holds in his hand a magical flower bouquet that will make every wish come true that the person holding it makes. He sings the Air. Zaïs hands the magic bouquet to Cindor, his confidant, and enjoins him to pretend to be the genius of the Air and to court Zélidie. Ignoring Cindor's objections, Zaïs orders the Zephyr winds to carry Zélidie to his palace and bring her before Cindor.
Writer: Nizam P. Kettaneh
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