Pyramus and Thisbe: Myth in music on the 18th-century French stage

Abstract

The myth of “Pyramus and Thisbe” has often been a topic of research, especially in French literature. Its bibliographical prosperity shows the vitality of a myth which has survived over the centuries, clinging to the ideologies of each historical context. In actual fact, the young Babylonian lovers of the Ovidian tale take on different roles each time, depending on the era and the author’s point of view. Therefore, in the Middle Ages they were spokespeople of a deep Christian belief that led them to become, in the libertine period, the supporters of a love that was set free from authority. From the beginning of the 18^th century however, Pyramus and Thisbe came to be the protagonists of new genres: the musical component became an essential part of the tale, which modified, in whole or in part, the myth structure. We will focus on the 18^th century, in particular on cantate and scènes lyriques. The aim of this work is to recognize, through the study of the librettos, the mutation of the myth in the theatre of the 18^th century and the influence of music on the scenic representation. The analysis will reveal the fundamental role played by music composition in the reduction of the structure of the myth.