Classical Opera

Orfeo ed Euridice (Orpheus and Eurydice), first performed in Vienna, 1762, is one of Christoph Willibald Gluck’s most popular operas and the first in a series of “reform” operas that Gluck composed.

The opera concerns the story of Orpheus and Eurydice. Orpheus, the protagonist, is horribly grieved over the loss of his beloved wife Eurydice. Cupid allows him to journey to the Underworld to retrieve her under the condition that he not look upon her until they have returned to the living earth. Eurydice, who cannot get Orpheus to look at her, is convinced that her husband no longer loves her and elects to stay behind in the Underworld, deciding death is preferable. Orpheus is moved to look at his wife who immediately dies again; he is than convinced that he must kill himself in order to be with Eurydice. Cupid is moved by Orpheus’ love, however, and stops him in addition to returning Eurydice to life.

Gluck’s “reform” operas were meant to reform the rather complicated opera seria style. His operas had significantly simpler plots and musical compositions, making them easier to understand and follow along with. He eliminated confusing subplots and shortened musical pieces. Orfeo ed Euridice expresses a significant connection to the rise of the middle class during the Classical era. While the reforms to the opera seria style expressed in Orfeo ed Euridice would have had a broader public appeal (the middle class demanded opera that they could understand and become involved in), it’s more significant connection to the rise of the middle class is the influence it had on other important composers of the Classical era, such as Mozart and Wagner (Orfeo ed Euridice). Gluck’s “reform” operas inspired other composers to develop more simplified musical compositions and to create the musical pieces that characterize the Classical era and symbolized the rise of the middle class.

The following is a clip of Orpheus’ aria “Che faro senza Euridice?” (“What I will do without Euridice?”) from the third act, wherein Orpheus contemplates his existence without Eurydice and decides to commit suicide. It is commonly sung by women, I should note. This is a particularly beautiful aria, I think. It is simple and short but also very moving. I am fond of this opera for several reasons. The story is interesting and indeed easy to follow along with, even if you don’t speak Italian. There is also considerably more ballet in this opera—another feature of Gluck’s reform efforts—and shorter pieces, which makes the opera more recognizable. The singing talents are also quite amazing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bUAM0ER-Dw

References:
Orfeo ed Euridice. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orfeo_ed_Euridice