With Cadmus et Hermione, Lully invented the form of the tragédie en musique (also known as tragédie lyrique). From contemporary Venetian opera, Lully incorporated elements of comedy among the servants, elements which he would later avoid, as would subsequent reformers in Italian opera.
A contemporary transcription of the overture by Jean-Henri d'Anglebert remains a possible part of the harpsichord repertoire.
In early 2008, the French ensemble Le Poème Harmonique staged a performance of the opera in Paris and Rouen, among other places.
Recordings
2019: Le Poème Harmonique (orchestra), Ensemble Aedes (chorus), Vincent Dumestre (conductor). Soloists: Thomas Dolié (Cadmus, baritone), Adèle Charvet (Hermione, mezzo-soprano), Eva Zaïcik (Charite, mezzo-soprano), Lisandro Abadie (Arbas/Pan, baritone), Nicholas Scott (La Nourrice/Dieu Champêtre, tenor), Virgile Ancely (Draco/Mars, bass), Guilhem Worms (Le Grand Sacrificateur/Jupiter, bass-baritone), Marine Lafdal-Franc (Pallas/Aglante/L'Hymen/Palès, soprano), Enguerrand De Hys (Le Soleil/Premier Prince Tirien, tenor). Recorded 25 to 28 November 2019 at the Château de Versailles. Label: Château de Versailles Spectacles, 2 CDs.[1]
