Pygmalion (Rameau)

Pigmalion, more commonly today Pygmalion, is an opera in the form of a one-act acte de ballet by Jean-Philippe Rameau first performed on 27 August 1748 at the Paris Opera.

[citation needed] The story is based on the myth of Pygmalion as told in Ovid's Metamorphoses.

In Rameau and Sauvot's version, the sculptor Pigmalion creates a beautiful statue to which he declares his love.

His girlfriend, Céphise, begs for attention; Pigmalion spurns her and entreats the goddess Venus to bring his statue to life.

Magically the statue enlivens, sings, and dances; Cupid arrives and praises Pigmalion for his artistry and faith in his powers.