We have become accustomed to hearing music out of the context for which it was originally written.

Overtures without their operas are played in the concert hall, sacred music is performed in secular fashion, background divertissements are played in the foreground - and vice versa.

So, a wonderful idea by the Brighton Early Music Festival to present Powerplay – Scenes And Dreams From The Paris Opera recreating the atmosphere of 17th and 18th century music-making in authentic style.

Actor David Timson narrated in the plaster persona of mythical Amor a cherub suspended high above the stage from where he could observe and relate, with much mischief, the rivalry between French and Italian opera and competing maestros Rossi, Lully, Campra and Rameau.

It was Amor who magically set the scene for Le Jardin Secret, a trio of baroque musicians, the BREMF players, and for dancer Annabelle Blanc who brought the 18th century to life with her beautiful measured steps and costumes.

Soprano Elizabeth Dobbin’s pure and steely sound was perfectly in harmony with the period and grew in richness as we advanced in time.

It was a stunning musical experience: it was the Paris Opera under Louis XIV.