Creator: Rameau, Jean Philippe, 1683-1764 Description: Jacques
Autreau’s play Platée, ou Junon jalouse was based on a story by
a second-century Greek author named Pausanias who chronicled his
travels (including rituals and traditions) in ten books that
represent the different regions of Greece. At the time Le Valois
d’Orville appropriated Autreau’s drama for a libretto, it was
uncommon for French court operas to include comic features, and
even Autreau’s spoken play lacked the comic tone of the opera.
Yet, the humor extends beyond the plot; for instance, the sounds
of frogs and birds are represented instrumentally. Platée was
first performed at Versailles for the wedding of the dauphin and
Princess Maria Theresa of Spain in 1745. Contributing Partner:
UNT Music Library