Composer

:

Franz Joseph Haydn

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1791

Average_duration

:

115:20

Movement_count

:

51

Movement ....

"L'anima del filosofo" or "Orfeo ed Euridice" is an opera composed by Franz Joseph Haydn in 1791. The libretto was written by Carlo Francesco Badini, and the opera was commissioned by the London impresario Johann Peter Salomon. The opera is based on the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. The plot of the opera revolves around Orfeo, a musician who is deeply in love with his wife Euridice. When Euridice dies, Orfeo descends into the underworld to bring her back to life. He is successful in convincing the gods to allow him to take Euridice back to the world of the living, but on the condition that he does not look back at her until they have left the underworld. Orfeo, unable to resist the temptation, looks back at Euridice and loses her forever. The opera is divided into three acts and features arias, duets, and ensembles. The music is characterized by Haydn's signature style, which includes a blend of classical and romantic elements. The opera also features a chorus, which adds to the dramatic effect of the story. "L'anima del filosofo" premiered on February 9, 1791, at the King's Theatre in London. The opera was not well-received by audiences and critics, and it was only performed a few times during Haydn's lifetime. However, the opera has since gained recognition as one of Haydn's most significant works. The movements of the opera include the overture, which sets the tone for the story, and the three acts, which each feature a series of arias, duets, and ensembles. The music is characterized by its emotional depth and complexity, which reflects the tragic story of Orfeo and Euridice. Overall, "L'anima del filosofo" is a significant work in Haydn's oeuvre, and it showcases his ability to blend classical and romantic elements to create a powerful and emotional opera. Despite its initial lack of success, the opera has since become a staple of the operatic repertoire and continues to be performed today.

More....