Opéra National de Paris: Castor et Pollux by Jean-Philippe Rameau (2025)
A return to its roots for Castor et Pollux, Jean-Philippe Rameau’s lyric tragedy first performed in 1737 at the Académie royale and inspired by the mythological episode of the Gemini. Rarely performed in its original version – the score was reworked by Rameau himself in 1754 –, this daring work plays on contrasts and expressiveness, as in the famous “Tristes apprêts”. The aria is sung by Télaïre mourning the death of her fiancé Castor, killed in battle, before his twin brother Pollux descends into the Underworld to ask his father, Jupiter, to bring him back to life. While this opera celebrates brotherly love, its prologue poses an essential question for director Peter Sellars: how do you stop a war and its attendant hatred and resentment?
Cast
- Jeanine De Bique - Télaïre
- Reinoud van Mechelen - Castor
- Marc Mauillon - Pollux
- Stéphanie d'Oustrac - Phébé
- Claire Antoine - Minerve, Une Suivante d’Hébé
- Laurence Kilsby - L’Amour, Le Grand-Prêtre, un Athlète
- Natalia Smirnova - Vénus, une ombre heureuse
- Nicholas Newton - Mars, Jupiter, un athlète
- Teodor Currentzis - Self – Conductor
Screenplay
- Jean-Philippe Rameau (Opera)
- Pierre-Joseph Bernard (Opera)
Themes
Opera Grandeur and Dramatic Voices, Opera Stage and Dramatic Arias, Classical Music and Art
Keywords
opera, filmed opera, théâtre
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Opéra National de Paris: Castor et Pollux by Jean-Philippe Rameau about?
- A return to its roots for Castor et Pollux, Jean-Philippe Rameau’s lyric tragedy first performed in 1737 at the Académie royale and inspired by the mythological episode of the Gemini. Rarely performed in its original version – the score was reworked by Rameau himself in 1754 –, this daring work plays on contrasts and expressiveness, as in the famous “Tristes apprêts”. The aria is sung by Télaïre mourning the death of her fiancé Castor, killed in battle, before his twin brother Pollux descends into the Underworld to ask his father, Jupiter, to bring him back to life. While this opera celebrates brotherly love, its prologue poses an essential question for director Peter Sellars: how do you stop a war and its attendant hatred and resentment?
- Who directed Opéra National de Paris: Castor et Pollux by Jean-Philippe Rameau?
- Opéra National de Paris: Castor et Pollux by Jean-Philippe Rameau was directed by Peter Sellars, Toby Trotter.
- Who stars in Opéra National de Paris: Castor et Pollux by Jean-Philippe Rameau?
- Opéra National de Paris: Castor et Pollux by Jean-Philippe Rameau stars Jeanine De Bique, Reinoud van Mechelen, Marc Mauillon, Stéphanie d'Oustrac, Claire Antoine, Laurence Kilsby.
- How long is Opéra National de Paris: Castor et Pollux by Jean-Philippe Rameau?
- Opéra National de Paris: Castor et Pollux by Jean-Philippe Rameau has a runtime of 3h 20m (200 minutes).
- What genre is Opéra National de Paris: Castor et Pollux by Jean-Philippe Rameau?
- Opéra National de Paris: Castor et Pollux by Jean-Philippe Rameau is a Music, Drama film.
- What are the themes of Opéra National de Paris: Castor et Pollux by Jean-Philippe Rameau?
- The themes of Opéra National de Paris: Castor et Pollux by Jean-Philippe Rameau include: Opera Grandeur and Dramatic Voices, Opera Stage and Dramatic Arias, Classical Music and Art.