Located in the UK
Located in the USA
Located in Europe
- Claudio Monteverdi
Orfeo (ed. 1980 John Eliot Gardiner) (1607)
- Chester Music Ltd (World)
Favola in musica: tragedy in a prologue and five acts.
John Eliot Gardiner
- 2recorders.2cornetti(natural trumpets).5sackbuts/3lute(cittarone)/double hp/2hpd(2org and regal)/2solo vn.8ripieno vn.6viole.2baroque vc/b viole)
- Baritone, 5 Basses, 3 Countertenors, 2 Mezzo Sopranos, 5 Sopranos, 5 Tenors
- 1 hr 56 min
- A. Striggio.
- English, Italian
Programme Note
BRIEF SYNOPSIS
The opera opens with the celebration of the marriage of Orpheus and Eurydice. Soon after the festivities news is brought of Euridice’s death. With heroic defiance, Orpheus resolves to descend to Hades to rescue his beloved. He gains entry to Hades through the beauty of his voice and Euridice is released on condition that he does not look at his wife be-fore they leave the underworld. Tragically, Orpheus breaks his promise and, instantly, she is lost to him for ever.
The opera opens with the celebration of the marriage of Orpheus and Eurydice. Soon after the festivities news is brought of Euridice’s death. With heroic defiance, Orpheus resolves to descend to Hades to rescue his beloved. He gains entry to Hades through the beauty of his voice and Euridice is released on condition that he does not look at his wife be-fore they leave the underworld. Tragically, Orpheus breaks his promise and, instantly, she is lost to him for ever.