Jean-Phillipe Rameau was a prolific French composer from the early to mid 18th c. His dates were 1683-1763, and he's best known for his harpsichord pieces and his operas. He composed at least 31 operas, most of which survive today, including in 1748, his one act Pygmalion, this week's music on the LS.
Rameau and his librettist, Ballot de Savot, based their story on the myth of Pygmalion as told in Ovid's Metamorphoses. In this version, the sculptor Pygmalion creates a beautiful statue to which he declares his love. His girlfriend, Céphise, begs for attention; Pygmalion spurns her and entreats the goddess Venus to bring his statue to life. Magically the statue comes to life, and starts singing and dancing. Cupid arrives and praises Pygmalion for his artistry and faith in his powers. Much celebratory dancing and singing follows, attesting to the power of love. And Cephis? Cupid helpfully finds another lover for her.