Composer

:

Ferdinando Bertoni

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Average_duration

:

64:56

Orfeo is an opera composed by Ferdinando Bertoni in 1776. The plot of the opera is based on the Greek myth of Orpheus, who descends into the underworld to rescue his beloved wife Eurydice. The opera is divided into three acts and features a libretto by Carlo Francesco Badini. The first act of the opera introduces Orfeo, a musician who has just married Eurydice. However, their happiness is short-lived as Eurydice is bitten by a snake and dies. Orfeo is devastated by her death and decides to descend into the underworld to bring her back to life. In the second act, Orfeo enters the underworld and encounters various obstacles, including the Furies and the god Pluto. However, his music is so beautiful that it moves the gods and they allow him to take Eurydice back to the world of the living. The only condition is that he must not look back at her until they have left the underworld. The third act sees Orfeo and Eurydice making their way back to the world of the living. However, Orfeo cannot resist the temptation to look back at his beloved wife and she is lost to him forever. Orfeo premiered on January 26, 1776, at the Teatro San Carlo in Naples, Italy. The opera was a huge success and was performed throughout Europe in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The music of Orfeo is characterized by its beautiful melodies and intricate vocal lines. Bertoni's use of the orchestra is also notable, with the music often reflecting the emotions of the characters on stage. Orfeo is divided into several movements, including arias, duets, and choruses. The most famous aria from the opera is "Che farò senza Euridice," which is sung by Orfeo in the third act after he has lost his beloved wife. Overall, Orfeo is a beautiful and moving opera that has stood the test of time. Its timeless story and beautiful music continue to captivate audiences around the world.

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