Matthew Locke's semi-opera "Psyche" / Further information

When the English King Charles II saw Jean-Baptiste Lully's opulently staged opera "Psyche" at the French court of the "Sun King" Louis XIV in 1671, he wanted to bring a similar spectacle to his home in London. In 1675, the time had come, and Matthew Locke's semi-opera "Psyche" premiered with a large orchestra, singing, acting, ballet, colorful costumes, and specially built stage machinery, the first of its kind in England. In the Laeiszhalle, the elegant neo-baroque ambience now serves as the backdrop for a high-caliber concert performance with Sébastien Daucé and his ensemble Correspondances.

The love story between the ancient god Cupid and the human princess Psyche is not befitting their social status: she must overcome many obstacles, and the couple goes from heaven to hell and back again to finally receive the blessing of the other goddesses and gods. Typical of Baroque opera, the lovers encounter a whole variety of mythical figures in all sorts of subplots along the way – gods, demigods, furies, demons, cyclops, and many more romp through the five acts of the plot. Matthew Locke and his librettist added some comedic elements to the French original.

Originally, the colorfully orchestrated orchestra was to play numerous dances and interludes by Giovanni Battista Draghi, which have not been preserved. Instead, Sébastien Daucé inserts instrumental movements by Matthew Locke and shortens some spoken passages to give more weight to the highly emotional arias. The result is a fascinating, entertaining insight into the beginnings of English opera, brilliantly performed and of timeless beauty.

Correspondances Ensemble

Lucile Richardot ChiefPriest

Tristan Hambleton Pan

Élodie Fonnard Venus

Etienne Bazola Vulcan

Conductor:Sébastien Daucé

Further information