Le jugement de Midas

It was first performed, with amateur singers, on 28 March 1778 in the private little theatre set up by Madame de Montesson in the apartments of her secret husband Louis Philippe, Duke of Orléans, at the Palais-Royal in Paris.

He explains that the local bailli (magistrate) Midas has arranged marriages between Palémon's daughters Lise and Chloé and two other musical talents from the village, Pan and Marsias.

Paleon's wife Mopsa reproaches him for taking in a stranger, "Alexis", without knowing anything of his background.

Apollo responds with an allegorical song describing a competition between a nightingale, owl and cuckoo judged by a donkey.

Mercury descends from heaven to announce Jupiter has forgiven Apollo, who sets off for Parnassus with both daughters in tow.