Joseph Bodin de Boismortier, born in Thionville in 1689 and died in Roissy in 1755, is best known today for his prolific instrumental output, particularly loved by flautists. He was indeed one of the first composers to have lived exclusively from his art. It is only in recent years that we have taken a renewed interest in his operatic works, capable of achieving success against Rameau in his time. Les Voyages de l'Amour is the first of Boismortier’s three surviving operas.

Les Voyages de l'Amour combines the structure of a ballet in a series of "entrées", where each entrée (scene) has its own characters and plot, and that of a ballet with a continuous plot, divided into acts, where the same main characters return. La Bruère’s invention is ingenious. There is philosophy - we would say, perhaps, nowadays sociology - in the idea of comparing the ways in which one loves in the village, in the city and at court.

This edition is based on all currently known sources. The version chosen as the main one corresponds to that performed at the Paris Opera in 1736. However, the appendices allow you to choose between or mix the various versions.

If you wish to perform this work, a print option is available: contact us.