page_title: Pigmalion (opera)
section_title: Synopsis
hierarchical_section_title: Pigmalion (opera) / Synopsis
caption_attribution_description: English: Title page: Pigmalion: acte de ballet, Paris: 1748, by Jean-Philippe Rameau. M1520.R212 F4 1748, Harvard Theatre Collection, Houghton Library, Harvard University
context_page_description: Pigmalion 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 Opéra in Paris. The libretto is by Ballot de Sauvot. This work has generally been regarded as the best of Rameau's one-act pieces. He was said to have composed the work in eight days.
context_section_description: The story is based on the myth of Pygmalion as told in Ovid's Metamorphoses.  In Rameau and Ballot de 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.  Much celebratory dancing and singing follows, attesting to the power of love.  Cupid helpfully finds another lover for Céphise.
caption: Sheet music from original publication, 1748
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