A ‘Tragedie en Musique’ performed on 8th January 1685


Furniture, Textiles & Fashion
January 8, 2015

Today in 1685 ‘Roland, tragédie en musique’’was first performed by the Académie Royale de Musique before King Louis XIV at Versailles.

This 1685 publication of the libretto to ‘Roland, Tragedy in Music’ will feature in the new Europe Galleries as part of a display looking at musical performance in the 17th century.

2014GY7408
Libretto to ‘Roland, Tragedy in Music’ Engraving by Juan Dolivar after Jean Bérain, France (Paris), 1685. National Art Library

‘Roland’ is one of three operas by the composer Jean-Baptiste Lully and librettist Philippe Quinault (the other two are Amadis and Armide).  A libretto is the text used in, or intended for, an extended musical work such as an opera (the word derives from libro, the Italian for book).

CIS:S.91-2009

‘Tragédie en musique’ (musical tragedy) became the term used for a genre of French opera introduced by Lully. Operas of this genre are often based on stories from classical mythology or Italian romantic epics. However, unlike the majority of his works, ‘Roland’ was not based on classical mythology, but instead inspired by medieval legends of chivalry. The narrative derives from Ariosto’s epic romance poem Orlando Furioso (the earliest version of which appeared around 1516).

Orlando Furioso has provided inspiration to many in the centuries since its publication. Elsewhere in the Museum’s collections we have a series of twelve Italian plates representing characters from Orlando Furioso, which were published in the second half of the 16th century. In the plates each character is shown in profile wearing a striking ornamental helmet and accompanied by a relevant quotation. I particularly like the head-gear sported in this example.

Plates (12) representing characters from Orlando Furioso  by Ludovico Ariosto (1474-1533). Each shown in profile and wearing an ornamental  helmet. Italian, mid-17th century, first published second half of 16th century. V&A 26803:2
Plate from a series of 12, each representing a characters from Orlando Furioso by Ludovico Ariosto (1474-1533), Italian, first published second half of 16th century. V&A 26803:2

Angelica Kauffman also depicted characters from Orlando Furioso. Here she shows Angelica and Medoro with the shepherdess (seated) taking her lover’s likeness on the bark of a tree.

Kauffman, Angelica (RA); Angelica and Medoro (from Ludovico Ariosto's 'Orlando Furioso'); The Shepherdess, seated with a crook on her  shoulder, taking her lover's likeness on the bark of a tree; Watercolours; English School; 18th - early 19th century. V&A DYCE.740
Angelica and Medoro (from Ludovico Ariosto’s ‘Orlando Furioso’), watercolours, Angelic Kauffman, English School, 18th – early 19th century. V&A DYCE.740

In the 17th century, the courts of Europe were entertained by a variety of musical performances. Operas, often staged to celebrate dynastic events, reinforced political ideologies through their plots and impressed audiences with their complex stage machinery.

‘Roland’ premiered at Versailles, in the stables(!) which had been specially adapted for the occasion.

Picture2
The stables seen from the Marble Courtyard of the palace of Versailles, showing Madame de Maintenon getting into her carriage for Saint-Cyr, Jean-Baptiste Martin, l’Ancien (1659-1735), Versailles, châteaux de Versailles et de Trianon © RMN (Château de Versailles) / Daniel Arnaudet / Hervé Lewandowski

Given the venue and the fact that Louis XIV was founder of the Académie Royale de Musique, it should not come as much of a surprise that the opera opens with an allegorical prologue in which Démogorgon, King of the Fairies, sings the praises of Louis XIV.

The frontispiece is taken as recording this specific staging of the opera. The image was engraved by Juan Dolivar, after a work by Jean Berain who had designed the scenery for the production.

A detail from the frontispiece.
A detail from the frontispiece showing some of the scenery and a number of cast members.

Later that same year, ‘Roland’ was performed at the theatre of the Palais Royal, Paris, and enjoyed great success.

About the author


Furniture, Textiles & Fashion
January 8, 2015

I am an Assistant Curator working on the development of the new Europe 1600-1800 Galleries. My interests are wide-ranging but subjects I have particularly enjoyed exploring for this project include:...

More from Dawn Hoskin
0 comments so far, view or add yours

Add a comment

Please read our privacy policy to understand what we do with your data.

MEMBERSHIP

Join today and enjoy unlimited free entry to all V&A exhibitions, Members-only previews and more

Find out more

SHOP

Find inspiration in our incredible range of exclusive gifts, jewellery, books, fashion, prints & posters and much more...

Find out more