Connection to the Story: There is no connection to the story and that’s what is so unique about it! The overture is a tuneful orchestral piece played before the opera begins. In the mid-1700s, composers developed the overture to serve a greater purpose: by including musical themes that reference characters and emotions the overture served as a concise introduction to the story that lays ahead.
Connection to the Story: Orfeo is elated after hearing that there is a chance he can save Euridice. Amor (Love) warns him of one condition – he cannot look upon his wife until they have left the caverns of the Styx, nor can he tell her of this condition. If he breaks it, he will lose her forever.
Connection to the Story: In a cavern on the far bank of the river Cocytus, the Furies and Spectres are outraged at the arrival of a live man in their realm. They circle around Orfeo and scorn his pleas for mercy.
Connection to the Story: Euridice is overjoyed to see her beloved Orfeo. She longs to look into his eyes but is heartbroken when he turns away. Grief-stricken and unaware that the sight of Orfeo’s eyes will kill her, Euridice sings of her shattered heart.
Connection to the Story: Euridice’s painful lament compels Orfeo to look at his beloved wife. He is no longer able to resist and he turns around to look into her eyes and she dies. Devastated, Orfeo cannot imagine life without her, and, declaring that he will join her in the after life, prepares to kill himself.
Lawrence Zazzo as Orfeo and Isabel Bayrakdarian as Euridice in the Canadian Opera Company production of Orfeo ed Euridice. Photo Credit: © 2011 Michael Cooper.