Composer

:

Christoph Willibald Gluck

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Publication Date

:

1767

Average_duration

:

133:09

Movement_count

:

44

Movement ....

"Alceste" is an opera composed by Christoph Willibald Gluck, with a libretto by Ranieri de' Calzabigi. The opera was first performed in Vienna on December 26, 1767. It is based on the Greek myth of Alcestis, who sacrifices herself to save her husband Admetus from death. The opera is divided into three acts and features a cast of characters that includes Alceste, Admetus, Apollo, and Hercules. The plot revolves around Alceste's sacrifice and her eventual return from the dead. The first act opens with Admetus lamenting his impending death and Alceste's decision to sacrifice herself in his place. Apollo appears and tells Admetus that he will be spared if someone else is willing to die in his place. Alceste steps forward and offers to take Admetus' place, much to his dismay. In the second act, Alceste is seen preparing for her sacrifice while Admetus mourns her impending death. Hercules arrives and offers to help Admetus by descending into the underworld to bring Alceste back from the dead. The final act sees Hercules return with Alceste, who has been granted a reprieve from death by the gods. Admetus is overjoyed at her return, and the opera ends with a celebration of their reunion. "Alceste" is known for its simplicity and directness, with Gluck and Calzabigi striving to create a more naturalistic style of opera. The music is characterized by its use of simple melodies and clear, direct expression of emotion. The opera was a critical and commercial success upon its premiere, and it went on to become one of Gluck's most popular works. It has been performed regularly since its premiere, and it remains a staple of the operatic repertoire to this day.

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