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Aquilon et Orithie  - French cantata

for bass, violin and continuo

All but one of Rameau’s seven secular cantatas were written during his period in Clermont Ferrand, and although full of musical and even dramatic interest, they have been overshadowed by his later stage works.  This cantata Aquilon et Orithie, together with his other early work Thétis, may date from as early as 1715.

Aquilon et Orithie shows the Italian influence particularly in Rameau’s writing for violin.  James Anthony notes that “Brilliant , concerto-like violin obbligati climax in the rage aria ‘Servez mes feux’ [No. 4]”(1).  The final Air – Gracieusement et un peu piqué - is entirely and lyrically French however.

Aquilon (Boreas, the north wind), is in love with Oreithyia, who repulses his advances, possibly because she is a votary of Athene Polias.  Aquilon determines to take her by force, and creates a frightful storm which terrorises mere mortals.  During this he swoops down on Orithie when she is taking part in a ritual procession to the temple of Athene , and carries her off.  The non ‘politically correct’ outcome is that she is impressed by his ardour and succumbs to his advances. The ‘moral’ of the final Air is that we should seek to please a loved one, by whatever means are necessary!

(1). Anthony J R (1997): French Baroque Music from Beaujoyeulx to Rameau, Amadeus Press, Portland, Oregon, p 435.

Thétis  - French cantata

for bass, violin and continuo

Thétis borrows elements of French opera in the thunder symphonie preceding Jupiter's air (no. 5) and in Neptune's air (No. 3) which ends with an instrumental 'storm' passage. The work opens with a prelude based on the grave section of the French overture.

Thétis is a sea-goddess, one of the primal beings, and of extraordinary beauty. The cantata tells of her being courted by both Zeus (Jupiter) the thunderer, and Poseidon (Neptune) the ruler of the waves. Both demonstrate their power in terrifying, but characteristic fashion. In fact Thétis in the end married a mortal, Peleus , and her famous son was Achilles. The moral is that if you are beautiful enough you may choose whomever pleases you most.

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