CCLXII. MONTEVERDI, Claudio (1567-1643)
L'Orfeo (1607)
La Capella Reial de Catalunya
Jordi Savall, cond.
(1:35:06)
This is the version with English subs. But it suddenly ends before Act V.
Here is the unsubtitled version complete
(2:00:01)
The Ducal Palace at Mantua
where L'Orfeo was premiered in 1607
where L'Orfeo was premiered in 1607
Shop out the automobiles; the place looks brand new.
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The first mention of Orpheus is a two-word phrase by Ibycus (6th century BCE): Orpheus famous-of-name.
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Often cited as the first opera, it probably was not (see Wikipedia, full of detail which need not be reproduced here).
The first mention of Orpheus is a two-word phrase by Ibycus (6th century BCE): Orpheus famous-of-name.
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Often cited as the first opera, it probably was not (see Wikipedia, full of detail which need not be reproduced here).
Monteverdi's genius was in taking all the elements of opera -- the aria, the AAA song (strophic), the recitative, choruses, dances, dramatic instrumental interludes -- and putting them all together in this new form:
"The score contains no element which was not based on precedent, but it reaches complete maturity in that recently developed form ... here are words as directly expressed in music as the pioneers of opera wanted them expressed; here is music expressing them ... with the full inspiration of genius." -- Donington
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This wonderful performance has English subtitles, bringing a work of art from over 400 years ago to your 21st-century eyes and ears.
This wonderful performance has English subtitles, bringing a work of art from over 400 years ago to your 21st-century eyes and ears.
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