Composer

:

Marc-Antoine Charpentier

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Average_duration

:

56:03

Movement_count

:

8

Movement ....

La descente d'Orphée aux Enfers is an opera composed by Marc-Antoine Charpentier in 1686. The plot 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 a French poet and playwright, Paul Pélisson. The premiere of La descente d'Orphée aux Enfers took place at the Théâtre du Palais-Royal in Paris on October 4, 1686. The opera was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and it quickly became one of Charpentier's most popular works. The first act of the opera begins with Orpheus mourning the loss of his wife Eurydice, who has died from a snake bite. He decides to descend into the underworld to rescue her, despite the warnings of his friends and family. In the second act, Orpheus arrives in the underworld and is confronted by the spirits of the dead. He sings a beautiful aria that moves the spirits to tears, and he is granted an audience with the god of the underworld, Pluto. Orpheus convinces Pluto to allow him to take Eurydice back to the world of the living, but he must not look back at her until they have left the underworld. The third act sees Orpheus and Eurydice making their way back to the world of the living. However, Orpheus cannot resist the temptation to look back at his wife, and she is lost to him forever. The opera ends with Orpheus lamenting his loss and vowing to never love again. La descente d'Orphée aux Enfers is characterized by its beautiful melodies, intricate harmonies, and expressive use of orchestration. Charpentier's music is both dramatic and emotional, perfectly capturing the tragic story of Orpheus and Eurydice. The opera features a variety of musical styles, including recitative, aria, and chorus, and it showcases Charpentier's mastery of each. Overall, La descente d'Orphée aux Enfers is a masterpiece of French Baroque opera, and it remains a beloved work to this day. Its timeless story and beautiful music continue to captivate audiences around the world.

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