La naissance d'Osiris

Its slender plot tells of Jupiter's announcement to a group of Egyptian shepherds of the birth of the god Osiris, who symbolises the baby prince.

The piece may have started life as part of a larger work, Les beaux jours de l'Amour, an opéra-ballet Rameau and Cahusac planned but never completed for reasons which are still uncertain.

Musicologists now think that Rameau and Cahusac originally intended La naissance d'Osiris to be part of a multi-act opéra-ballet called Les beaux jours de l'Amour.

In the same issue, Cahusac explained the Egyptian background of the work: As she was leaving the temple of Jupiter, a Theban woman named Pamyles heard a voice announcing the birth of a hero who would one day bring happiness to Egypt.

[8] The reviewer in Le Mercure de France described the richness of the scenery in La naissance: the pillars of the temple were carved with hieroglyphics; there were sphinxes and a palm-tree.

The sky darkens, lightning flashes and thunder rumbles; believing it is the wrath of Jupiter, the terrified shepherds start to flee (chorus: "Jupiter s'arme de la foudre"), but the High Priest reassures them that the god is pleased with their sacrifices and has good news for them (ariette: "La flamme des éclairs, les éclats du tonnerre").

He promises the people an era of peace and announces the birth of a hero (air: "Il est né, ce héros que vos vœux demande").

The priests pay homage to Jupiter and the shepherds rejoice (chorus: "Chants d'allégresse et de victoire", ariette for a shepherdess: "Volez, plaisirs, régnez, aimables jeux").