Les arts florissants (H.487) is a short chamber opera (also described by the composer as ') in five scenes by Marc-Antoine Charpentier.
It was written in 1685 for the group of musicians employed by Marie de Lorraine, Duchess of Guise, at her residence in Paris. The reason behind the creation of this work, as well as its place of performance, remain a matter for speculation. The French libretto, written by an unknown author, is allegorical in nature and draws on aspects of mythological and natural symbolism familiar to 17th-century audiences to add depth to a superficially simple plot.
The story of the opera concerns the eponymous Arts, shown flourishing under the beneficent and peaceful reign of Louis XIV, as they and a group of warriors become drawn into a dispute between the central characters of ' (Peace) and ' (Discord). After a brief struggle in which Discord and his Furies gain the upper hand, Peace appeals to Jupiter to intervene on her behalf. Discord and his followers are chased back into Hades by a hail of thunderbolts, and Peace holds sway once more.
The opera is scored for seven solo voices, five-part chorus, two flutes (or recorders), two treble viols and basso continuo.
The manuscript score also calls for two choruses in the form of a ' (Troop of Warriors) and a ' (Chorus of singing Furies), to be sung by all available singers, and a troupe of ' (Dancing Furies, if desired). The instrumentalists are included in the original character list under the entry ', and the overture is labelled ' (for the orchestral players in Music's following).