Phryné (opera)

Phryné is an 1893 opéra comique in 2 acts by Camille Saint-Saëns to a libretto by Lucien Augé de Lassus, based on the life of ancient Greek courtesan Phryne.^[1] The role of Phryne was initiated by Sibyl Sanderson.^[2]

Phryné
Opéra comique by Camille Saint-Saëns
The composer in 1900, photographed by Pierre Petit
Librettist	Lucien Augé de Lassus
Language	French

Cast

• Phryné (soprano)
• Lampito, esclave de Phryné (soprano)
• Dicéphile, archonte (bass)
• Nicias, neveu de Dicéphile (tenor)
• Cynalopex (tenor)
• Agoragine (bass)

Recordings

• Phryné Denise Duval, Nadine Sautereau, Andre Vessieres, Michel Hamel, Orchestre Lyrique de l'O.R.T.F., Chorale Lyrique de l'O.R.T.F. Jules Gressier. 1960
• Phryné was scheduled for revival and recording in June 2021 at the Musée du Louvre by the Opéra de Rouen Orchestra in partnership with the Palazzetto Bru Zane, but cancelled due to the corona pandemic.^[3]

References

1. Sabina Teller Ratner Camille Saint-Saëns, 1835–1921: A Thematic Catalogue of His Complete Works 0198163207 2002
2. Laura McClure, Phryne of Thespiae: Courtesan, Muse, and Myth 2024. p.14
3. Bru Zane