About the work
Drame lyrique (opéra-comique) in three acts by André-Ernest-Modeste Grétry, libretto by Barnabé Farmian Durosoy after a moral tale by Jean-François Marmontel. The version known today, with entirely new music, premiered on 12 June 1776 at the Comédie-Italienne in Paris; an earlier setting with a different text had already been staged in 1768.
Plot
In ancient Samnium, Agathis and Céphalide wish to marry. Social conventions and resistance from those around them threaten the match at first, until every obstacle is resolved and the wedding can take place.
Cultural significance
In 1781 in Vienna, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart composed eight piano variations (K.352) on the march "Dieu d'amour" from this opera — evidence of its fame beyond France. On stage, however, the work soon fell into obscurity.