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Overview

Synopsis

According to the legend, Orpheus (in Italian Orfeo) was famous with the Gods for his incredible singing ability and his talent with the lyre, an instrument similar to a small harp but with distinct differences. He is said to have made Gods and men weep with his mourning songs for his beloved Eurydice (Euridice), who died from a snakebite after being pursued by a jealous Aristaeus. Gluck’s opera opens with Orfeo singing these mourning songs and calling out desperately to Euridice. Hearing his pleas, the chorus tells him to take his lyre and travel to the underworld that he might sing to the rulers of Hades and ask for Euridice’s return. Amore, the God of love, offers to help him and cautions him that, in order to prove himself worthy of this gift, on the journey back he must not look at Euridice or her life will be forfeit.

On the journey back to Earth, Euridice, who has been enjoying herself in the underworld entertained by happy spirits, starts to fear that a trick is being played on her and that this is not Orfeo at all. She begs him to turn around and look at her. When he will not she starts to turn back and in his fear of losing her again Orfeo turns, and kills Euridice. His aria ‘Che faro senza Euridice’ (What shall I do without Euridice) is another exposition of Orfeo as the musician trying to deal with his grief. He has nowhere else to go and cannot face return to Earth without her, so he resolves to kill himself that he might be with Euridice again. Unusually, in this version of the legend Amore intervenes, and tells Orfeo that the Gods have seen his courage. Amore brings Euridice back to life and sends the two of them back to Earth, rejoicing.

The beauty and simplicity of Gluck’s music make Orfeo ed Euridice a timeless classic that could be an excellent vehicle to showcase a particular singer in the principal role.

Show Information

Category
Opera
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
3
First Produced
1796
Genres
Drama, Historical/Biographical
Settings
Multiple Settings
Time & Place
Greece, Ancient Times
Cast Size
small
Orchestra Size
Medium
Dancing
Some Dance
Ideal For
All-Female Cast, Chamber Opera, College/University, Mostly Female Cast, Professional Opera, Small Cast, Star Vehicle Female, Star Vehicle Male, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult Characters

Context

Plot


Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Orfeo

Lead

Either Gender

Mezzo-Soprano, Countertenor, Tenor, Contralto

Euridice

Supporting

Female

Soprano

Amore

Supporting

Either Gender

Soprano

Chorus

Supporting

Either Gender

Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Baritone, Bass

Songs

Sinfonia

Act 1

Introduction, Chorus: ‘Ah! Se intorno a quest’urna funesta’ - Orfeo

Recitative: ‘Amici, quel lamento’ - Orfeo

Pantomime

Chorus: ‘Ah! Se intorno a quest’urna funesta’

Recitative and Ritornello - Orfeo

Aria :‘Chiamo il mio ben cosi’ - Orfeo

Recitative: ‘Euridice, Euridice’ - Orfeo

Aria: ‘Cerco il mio ben cosi’ - Orfeo

Recitative: ‘Euridice! Ah! Questo nome’ - Orfeo

Aria: ‘Piango il mio ben cosi’ - Orfeo

Recitative: ‘Numi. Barbari Numi’ - Orfeo, Amore

Aria: ‘Se il dolce suon’ - Amore, Orfeo

Recitative ‘Ciel! Rivederla potrò!’ - Orfeo, Amore

Aria:‘Gli squardi trattieni’ - Amore

Recitative: ‘Che disse! Che ascoltai’ - Orfeo

Aria: ‘Addio, addio, o miei sospiri’ - Orfeo

Act 2

Dance of the Furies, Chorus: ‘Chi mai dell’Erebo’

Scene: ‘Deh placatevi con me!’ - Orfeo, Chorus

Chorus: ‘Misero giovane’

Aria: ‘Mille pene, ombre sdegnose’ - Orfeo

Chorus: ‘Ah! Quale incognito’

Aria: ‘Men tiranne, voi sarete’ - Orfeo

Chorus: ‘Ah, quale incognito’

Dance of the Furies and Ballet

Aria and Chorus: ‘Questo asilo di placide calme’ - Euridice

Aria: ‘Che puro ciel!’ - Orfeo

Chorus ‘Vieni ai regni del riposo’

Ballet

Recitative: ‘Oh voi, ombre felici’ - Orfeo

Chorus: ‘Torna o bella, al tuo consorte’

Act 3

Recitative and Duet: ‘Vieni! Appaga il tuo consorte’ - Orfeo, Euridice

Recitative: ‘Qual vita e questa mai!’ - Euridice

Aria and Duet ‘Che fiero momento’ - Euridice, Orfeo

Recitative: ‘Ecco novel tormento!’’ - Orfeo, Euridice

Aria ‘Che farò senza Euridice’ - Orfeo

Recitative ‘Ah! Finisca e per sempre’’ - Orfeo, Amore, Euridice

Scene and Chorus: ‘Trionfi Amore’ - Orfeo, Euridice, Amore

Dances

Trio ‘Divo Amore’ - Orfeo, Euridice, Amore

Ballet and Chaconne

A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

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Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Guide Written By:

Wendy Silvester

Wendy Silvester

Singer and vocal coach based in the UK.