Composer

:

William Boyce

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

1:56

"When Orpheus went down to the Regions below" is a cantata composed by William Boyce, an English composer of the Baroque era. The cantata was composed in 1740 and premiered in the same year. It is a vocal work that tells the story of Orpheus, the legendary musician and poet from Greek mythology, who descends into the underworld to rescue his beloved wife Eurydice. The cantata is divided into three movements, each of which represents a different stage of Orpheus's journey. The first movement, "When Orpheus went down to the Regions below," is a recitative that sets the scene and introduces the main character. The second movement, "With ravished ears," is an aria that describes the power of Orpheus's music and its ability to move even the gods. The final movement, "But, oh! what art can heal the wound," is a lament that expresses Orpheus's grief and despair when he realizes that he has lost Eurydice forever. The music of "When Orpheus went down to the Regions below" is typical of the Baroque era, with its use of elaborate ornamentation, complex harmonies, and dramatic contrasts. The vocal lines are highly expressive, with frequent leaps and runs that reflect the emotional intensity of the text. The accompaniment is provided by a small ensemble of strings and continuo, which provides a rich and varied texture that supports the vocal lines. Overall, "When Orpheus went down to the Regions below" is a powerful and moving work that showcases Boyce's skill as a composer of vocal music. Its vivid portrayal of the mythological story of Orpheus and Eurydice, combined with its beautiful melodies and intricate harmonies, make it a masterpiece of the Baroque era.

More....