Mondonville: Titon et l’Aurore

Mondonville : Titon et l’Aurore

Dive into Mondonville’s Titon et l’Aurore, where divine intrigue and human devotion collide in a spectacular fusion of music and theatre. Conducted by William Christie!

Premiered in 1753, Titon et l’Aurore by Jean-Joseph Cassanéa de Mondonville is a shining example of French operatic brilliance during the Enlightenment. At the height of the Querelle des Bouffons, when French and Italian operatic styles were fiercely debated, this pastorale héroïque emerged as a resounding testament to the sophistication and artistry of the French tradition.

The narrative centers on the love between L’Aurore, goddess of dawn, and Titon, a mortal shepherd. Their bond is tested by the capricious gods: Palès orchestrates deceptions and abductions, while Éole unleashes storms to sow chaos. Yet, guided by the figure of Amour, their unwavering devotion prevails, offering a resolution that intertwines tenderness with transcendence.

Under the masterful baton of William Christie, Les Arts Florissants bring Mondonville’s intricate score to life with extraordinary finesse. The orchestra’s textures are vibrant and fluid, while the singers imbue their roles with a striking humanity that bridges the gap between the divine and the mortal.

Stage director Basil Twist, enhanced by Daniel Brodie‘s video and the subtle use of puppetry, crafts a visual narrative that complements the music’s eloquence. The production’s dreamlike aesthetic merges theatrical innovation with poetic nuance, amplifying the emotional stakes of this mythological drama. Reinoud Van Mechelen’s Titon and Gwendoline Blondeel’s L’Aurore deliver performances of rare sensitivity, their voices capturing both the fragility and fervor of their characters. A triumphant revival of a French Baroque masterpiece.

Mondonville : Titon et l’Aurore [DVD & Blu-ray]