It was the first work in the repertory of the Académie Royale de Musique for which the text and music were by the same author.

[1] It was first performed on 18 October 1752 before the royal court at Fontainebleau, and for the public, on 1 March 1753 at the Théâtre du Palais-Royal in Paris.

King Louis XV loved the piece so much that he offered Rousseau the great honor of a life pension.

Rousseau's work was the object of a parody in the Singspiel Bastien und Bastienne by the twelve-year-old Mozart.

They each seek the advice and support of the village soothsayer in order to reinforce their love.