Phèdre (opera)

Phèdre is the title of several operas based on the Greek myth of Phaedra, primarily drawing upon Jean Racine's tragic play Phèdre (1677). The story revolves around Phaedra, wife of Theseus, and her destructive, forbidden love for her stepson, Hippolytus. This unrequited passion leads to tragic consequences, involving false accusations, revenge, and ultimately, death.

Operatic adaptations of Phèdre explore themes of passion, guilt, jealousy, and the destructive power of unchecked desires. The psychological complexity of the characters, particularly Phaedra, makes the story a compelling subject for operatic treatment.

Notable operas based on Phèdre include:

• Phèdre by Jean-Philippe Rameau: A projected but unfinished opera. Rameau began working on a Phèdre in the 1730s, but the score remains incomplete and fragmented.

• Fedra by Simon Mayr: First performed in 1820. An opera seria focusing on the tragedy.

• Phèdre by Benjamin Britten: Although not a full-length opera, Britten wrote a dramatic cantata titled Phaedra, Op. 93 (1975), using a text translated and adapted from Racine by Robert Lowell. This work is a powerful and intense exploration of Phaedra's inner turmoil.

• Phèdre by Harrison Birtwistle: Premiered in 2015 at the Berlin State Opera. This opera presents a modern and stark interpretation of the myth.

These are just a few examples, and other composers have also been inspired by the Phaedra story to create operatic works or incorporate elements of the myth into their compositions. The variations in musical style and dramatic interpretation reflect the enduring appeal and adaptability of this classic tale of love, betrayal, and destruction.