Amadis de Gaule (J. C. Bach)

It followed the contemporary French fashion for resetting libretti by Quinault (Armide by Gluck and Roland by Piccinni are other examples of this trend).

The work was not a success with the Parisian public, mainly because it pleased neither the supporters of Gluck nor those of Piccinni, the two leading rival opera composers in France at the time.

Arcalaüs conjures up demons, including the allegorical figures of Hatred and Despair, to ruin Amadis' happiness.

She leaves him and he hears the sound of wailing; it comes from the prisoners Arcabonne has abducted and held captive in a fortress with her brother.

Arcalaüs prepares to fight, but Arcabonne – now realising Amadis will never return her love – kills herself, and the ghost's prophecy is fulfilled.