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Orphee et Euridice
by Christoph Willibald Gluck (1714-1787)
Christoph Willibald Gluck was one of the three greatest opera composers of the 18th Century. A number of his operas are still performed regularly today but, by far, his most famous is his operatic retelling of the Greek Myth Orpheus and Euridice. Actually, Gluck set this story to music twice-in Italian in 1762 and in French in 1774. Seattle Opera will be presenting the French version, Orphee et Eurydice, which features a tenor in the role of Orpheus rather than a mezzo-soprano as in the Italian version. Both versions contain some of the most famous numbers in opera: Orphee's famous lament, ”J'ai perdu Euridice"; the orchestral "Dance of the Blessed Spirits"; and the balletic "Dance of the Furies".
This splendid operatic masterpiece has not been presented in Seattle in more than 20 years. Don't miss it.
These preview lectures will be presented by Norm Hollingshead, who will illustrate his commentary with recorded music excerpts.
Wednesday, February 1, 7pm Thursday, February 9, 7pm Monday, February 13, 7pm |
Tuesday, February 14, 7pm Thursday, February 16, 7pm |
Sponsored by the Friends of the Libraries.
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