Major Operas | Orfeo by Luigi Rossi | Early & Middle Baroque

Premiered: 1647, Paris
Libretto by Francesco Buti

Prologue

The figure of Vittoria (Victory) and French soldiers sing of their victories and the power of their kingdom.

Act I

Euridice and her father, Endimione, consult a soothsayer regarding her forthcoming wedding to Orfeo. The omens are bad. Orfeo and Euridice celebrate their love for each other, while Aristeo, son of Bacco (Bacchus), laments his fate: he too is in love with Euridice. Having confided in his satyr, he calls for Venere (Venus) to prevent the marriage. Venere descends with Amore (Love) and the three Grazie (Graces), promising to help. Venere plans to trick Euridice into returning Aristeo’s love. During the wedding ceremony, the torches are extinguished – a bad omen. Orfeo and Euridice proclaim their love.

Act II

Disguised as an old woman, Venere approaches Euridice. She speaks of the bad omens surrounding Euridice’s marriage to Orfeo and offers Aristeo as an alternative husband, but Euridice refuses. The gods scold Amore for his part in the deception; he promises to help Orfeo and Euridice, and reveals the truth to Orfeo. The Grazie tell Venere of Amore’s betrayal; she swears vengeance. Endimione and the soothsayer pray to Venere, but Guinone (Juno) tells them to pray to her instead; she will protect the lovers. At the temple, Euridice sings of love, but she is bitten by a snake and dies.

Act III

As all mourn Euridice’s death, Orfeo is escorted to the underworld. Aristeo is driven mad by Euridice’s spirit and, mocked by Momo and the satyr, kills himself. Giunone sends Gelosia (Jealousy) to Proserpina and argues with the jubilant Venere. Gelosia tells Proserpina that her husband, Plutone (Pluto), may betray her for Euridice; Proserpina and Caronte (Charon) persuade Plutone to listen to Orfeo. Orfeo asks to be reunited with Euridice. Plutone agrees, on the condition that Orfeo not look back as they leave. Caronte reveals that Orfeo has not obeyed, and Euridice disappears. Venere entices Bacco to avenge Aristeo’s death; he orders the deaths of Orfeo and Euridice. Giove (Jupiter) transforms the two lovers and Orfeo’s lyre into constellations.

Personalities | Luigi Rossi | Early & Middle Baroque | Opera

AUTHORITATIVE

An extensive music information resource, bringing together the talents and expertise of a wide range of editors and musicologists, including Stanley Sadie, Charles Wilson, Paul Du Noyer, Tony Byworth, Bob Allen, Howard Mandel, Cliff Douse, William Schafer, John Wilson...

CURATED

Classical, Rock, Blues, Jazz, Country and more. Flame Tree has been making encyclopaedias and guides about music for over 20 years. Now Flame Tree Pro brings together a huge canon of carefully curated information on genres, styles, artists and instruments. It's a perfect tool for study, and entertaining too, a great companion to our music books.

Rock, A Life Story

Rock, A Life Story

The ultimate story of a life of rock music, from the 1950s to the present day.

David Bowie

David Bowie

Fantastic new, unofficial biography covers his life, music, art and movies, with a sweep of incredible photographs.