Description

Mel Bonis (1858–1937) was born into a modest Parisian family. As a child, her musical talent was reluctantly supported by her family after her teacher – César Franck – convinced them to allow her to study at the Paris Conservatoire. She was never able to complete her studies as her parents ordered her into a marriage with a music-averse businessman, which resulted in a prolonged break from composing as she became burdened by the domestic expectations placed upon her. 

Several years later, she returned to composing and wrote over 300 musical works. Almost all of her compositions were published during her lifetime, a testament to the high regard she was held in as a musician.

Composed in 1910, Omphale is the final piece in Bonis’ set of seven Femmes de Légende, curated by the composer herself. The work depicts the Greek queen of Lydia, best known for her unusual role as the mistress of the hero Heracles. After being sentenced to serve her as punishment for a crime, Heracles was made to do women’s work and even wear women’s clothing, while Omphale wore his lion skin and carried his club. Their story makes Omphale one of the few mortal women in myth to dominate a legendary hero.