• Claudio Monteverdi and Denis Stevens
  • L'Orfeo (ed. 1967 Stevens)
    (L'Orfeo)

  • Novello & Co Ltd (World)


Denis Stevens

  • 2rec200/0230/hp/cont/str
  • SACtTBarB
  • 18 characters
  • 2 hr

Programme Note

BRIEF SYNOPSIS

The opera opens with the celebration of the marriage of Orpheus and Eurydice. Soon after the festivities news is brought of Euridice’s death. With heroic defiance, Orpheus resolves to descend to Hades to rescue his beloved. He gains entry to Hades through the beauty of his voice and Euridice is released on condition that he does not look at his wife be-fore they leave the underworld. Tragically, Orpheus breaks his promise and, instantly, she is lost to him for ever.