Télémaque dans l'île de Calypso (, ) is a French ballet-pantomime created in 1790 by Pierre Gardel and performed at the Opéra de Paris.
Background The ballet Télémaque dans l'île de Calypso was presented in three acts by Pierre Gardel with music composed by Ernest-Louis Miller (Müller). Gardel developed the choreography.Pitou, Spire. “Télémaque dans l’île de Calypso.” In (Ed.), The Paris Opéra: An encyclopedia of operas, ballets, composers, and performers (2016–). Article first published 1985. Retrieved from https://rme.rilm.org/rme/stable/526276
On 23 February 1790, Télémaque dans l'île de Calypso was premiered at the Opéra de Paris. It was performed until 1816, reinstated in 1819,Varnhagen, R., Wiesel, P., Hahn, B., Bosold, B. (1997). Briefwechsel mit Pauline Wiesel. Germany: Beck. and remained in the repertoire until 24 November 1866.Bibliothèque musicale du Théatre de l'opéra: Catalogue historique, chronologique, anecdotique, publié sous les auspices du Ministère de l'instruction publique et des beaux-arts et rédigé par Théodore de Lajarte ... Avec portraits gravés à l'eau-forte par Le Rat .... (1878). France: Librairie des bibliophiles. Gardel's ability to combine character-driven pantomime with dance and the ballet's execution received contemporary praise.Guide du concert et des théâtres liriques. (1910). France: Isabelle legros..
Roles The main roles in the premiere of Gardel's ballet were entrusted to artists such as:
RolePremière cast, 23 February 1790(Cast member: - )CalypsoMiss SaulnierVenus Miss de Ligny Love (L'Amour)Miss Chameroy Minerva (in the guise of Mentor) Mr. HuardEucharisMlle MillerTelemachusPierre GardelLeucothoeMme PérignonIrcileMlle RoseLes GracesMlles Jacotot, Beaujon, and Nanine
Synopsis Translated to English as Telemachus on the Island of Calypso, the French ballet is based on the story from Greek mythology where Telemachus, the son of Odysseus, visits the island of Calypso.
Act 1 Act I opens on Calypso's island, where a storm subsides. Mentor and Telemachus, survivors of a shipwreck, arrive on the shore, mourning their lost companions. Mentor warns of the island’s dangers, but Calypso and her nymphs greet them warmly. Calypso, recognizing Telemachus as Odysseus's son, takes a special interest in him. She organizes games, where nymph Eucharis wins multiple contests and captures Telemachus’s attention. Despite Mentor’s warnings, Telemachus is drawn to her. Calypso confesses her love and offers him immortality. The act ends with festivities fading into the night.Télémaque dans l’isle de Calypso, ballet-héroïque en trois actes, par M. Gardel,. . . (n.d.). Retrieved from https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k5734720x/f14.item.texteImage
Act 2 The second act begins with Telemachus sleeping in a garden, and Calypso, in love, has nymphs prepare a garland for him. He meets Eucharis and, though charmed, remains cautious. Meanwhile, Venus grants Calypso Cupid’s power, causing romantic confusion among the nymphs. Telemachus and Eucharis's attraction deepens, leading to a passionate exchange. Mentor manipulates Calypso's jealousy to help Telemachus escape. Reluctantly, Calypso allows his departure, and preparations for a ship are made. The act ends with Calypso’s anguish and ominous threats to Eucharis.
Act 3 In act III, Eucharis prepares for a hunt in her grotto, with help from Venus, Love, and the Graces. Calypso, disguised as Diana, confronts her out of jealousy, but Telemachus steps in to protect her. Calypso hesitates to act. Mentor, disguised as Minerva, completes a ship to take Telemachus away. Love and the nymphs seduce Telemachus back into Eucharis's arms, causing him to change his mind. Calypso, pretending to repent, manipulates them into hiding Eucharis on the ship. The ship is set ablaze by Bacchantes, but Love rescues Eucharis. As the ship burns, Telemachus and Mentor jump into the sea, and the curtain falls on the chaos.
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