tragédie lyrique

Tragédie lyrique is a French opera genre from the late 17th and early 18th centuries that combines dramatic storytelling with musical grandeur. It emphasizes serious, often mythological or historical, themes presented through music, singing, chorus, and dance. Developed by composer Jean-Baptiste Lully and librettist Philippe Quinault, it aims to evoke deep emotional responses and explore moral or philosophical ideas. The genre integrates dialogue, recitative, and orchestral music to create a theatrical experience that balances artistic elegance with storytelling depth, representing an important cultural form in French classical theater.