Psyche by Matthew Locke, Ensemble Correspondances

L'Ensemble Correspondances, directed by Sébastien Daucé, will be performing Matthew Locke's Psyche in the Laeiszhalle Hamburg on March 1st, followed by a second concert at the Theater an der Wien in Vienna on March 3rd. 

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When English King Charles II saw the sumptuously staged opera "Psyche" by Jean-Baptiste Lully at the French court of Louis XIV in 1671, he wanted to bring a similar spectacle to his London home. This was accomplished in 1675 and the semi-opera "Psyche" by Matthew Locke with large orchestra, singing, drama, ballet, colourful costumes and specially built stage machinery underwent its premiere as the first of its kind in England. The handsome neo-baroque ambience now serves as the setting for a top-class concert performance with Sébastien Daucé and his Ensemble Correspondances.

The love story between the ancient god Cupid and the human princess Psyche does not conform to their social standing: it must overcome many obstacles, the couple goes from heaven to hell and back again to finally receive a blessing from the other gods and goddesses. In typical baroque opera fashion, en route in all kinds of subplots the lovers encounter the entire spectrum of mythical figures – gods, demigods, furies, demons, cyclopes and many more romp about in the five acts of the plot. Matthew Locke and his librettist also added some comedic elements to the French original.

Originally, the flamboyantly instrumented orchestra had to play several dances and interludes by Giovanni Battista Draghi, which have not been passed down. Instead, Sébastien Daucé inserts instrumental movements by Matthew Locke and shortens some of the spoken passages to give greater emphasis to the highly emotional arias. This produces a fascinating, entertaining insight into the origins of English opera, brilliantly played and of timeless beauty.