Orpheus, the Greek mythological lyre player, has been the subject of numerous operas, with a particular focus on the death of his wife, Eurydice, and Orpheus’ attempts to free her from the underworld. Monteverdi, Telemann, Rameau, Gluck, Haydn, Offenbach, Debussy, Milhaud, and Birtwistle were among the notable composers who gave operatic treatments. This article focuses on Christoph Gluck’s operas, which are classified as “reform operas.”
Gluck composed two operas about Orpheus and Eurydice: one in Italian, Orfeo ed Euridice, and the other in French, Orphée et Eurydice. The Italian version is based on a libretto by Ranieri de’ Calzabigi, while the French version is based on a libretto by Pierre Louis Moline. The Italian version is known as azione teatrale, and it premiered on October 5, 1762, at the Burgtheater in Vienna. The French version, dubbed Tragédie opera, premiered on August 2, 1774, at the Opéra de Paris.
The plots of the two Orpheus and Eurydice versions are similar, though the scene divisions differ. There is a gathering at Eurydice’s tomb in Act I of Orpheus and Eurydice, with Orpheus joining nymphs and shepherds in mourning. Orpheus becomes enraged with the gods after they leave and vows to bring Eurydice back. Cupid appears and informs Orpheus that Jove will grant him the opportunity to free Eurydice from Hades: the road is clear, but Orpheus must first win over the Furies by singing. There is one rule: before they return to Earth, Orpheus must not look at Eurydice, or they will be separated forever. Orpheus recognizes that his actions will annoy Eurydice, but he agrees to the terms.
Orpheus enters the underworld in Act II of Orpheus and Eurydice and is immediately threatened by the Furies and demons. He implores them to feel sorry for him, and they eventually agree to let him continue his journey to Elysium. Orpheus questions the Blessed Spirits he encounters in the Elysian Fields, and they inform him that Eurydice is on her way. When she arrives, Orpheus begins to lead her without looking at her directly.
Orpheus and Eurydice’s Act III begins with Orpheus urging Eurydice to hurry up and follow him. She is perplexed and suspicious, and the two argue, but he is unable to explain himself. Orpheus turns to look at Eurydice when she faints, and she dies, returning Orpheus to mourning. When Cupid returns with a message, Orpheus is about to commit suicide in order to reunite with Eurydice. Orpheus has proven his loyalty, and with that, he returns Eurydice to Orpheus, alive and well. Cupid, the shepherds and shepherdesses, and Orpheus and Eurydice all rejoice.