Music by Christoph Willibald Gluck (1714-1787)
Libretto by Ranieri Calzabigi (1714-1795)
Cast of Characters
Orpheus (countertenor; origially alto castrato)
Amore (soprano)
Eurydice (soprano)
Chorus
Synopsis
Act I
Orpheus, a poet and musician who can charm animals and move objects with his voice, is at the grave of his wife, Eurydice, who died of a snake bite. A chorus of shepherds and nymphs laments her death (“Ah, se intorno”). Orpheus dismisses the mourners, expressing his grief alone (“Chiamo il mio ben”) before resolving to rescue Eurydice from the Underworld. Amore, god of love, informs Orpheus that he may bring Eurydice back. If he looks at her or tells her that he is forbidden to gaze upon her, no matter how upset she becomes, he will lose her forever.
Act II
The furies deny Orpheus entrance to the underworld (“Chi mai dell’Erebo”). He begs for their pity (“Deh placatevi con me”). The beauty of his voice wins them over, and they allow him to enter the Elysian Fields. Although the landscape is beautiful, Orpheus is not at peace in this paradise without Eurydice (“Che puro ciel!”). A chorus of heroes and heroines bring Eurydice to him. As he reunites with his beloved, Orpheus stays true to his vow and does not look at her.
Act III
As Orpheus leads Eurydice out of the Underworld, she begs him to explain why he will not look at her, while Orpheus’s anguish increases (“Vieni, appaga il tuo consorte”). Eurydice wonders if Orpheus is no longer attracted to her, even thinking that he has been unfaithful (“Che fiero momento”). No longer able to resist, Orpheus looks at her, and she dies. In horror and despair, Orpheus wonders how he can live without his twice-lost beloved (“Che farò senza Eurydice?”). He prepares to stab himself and reunite with Eurydice in the Underworld. Swayed by Orpheus’s devotion, Amore revives Eurydice, and the trio returns to the living world together.
-Peter Marshall, ©2025