Orfeo
Thomson Smillie
Monteverdi’s Orfeo, first performed in 1607, generates a special excitement because it is the first unquestioned masterpiece of opera. Notable for its precise orchestration and powerful drama it was a groundbreaking work. It concerns the legend of Orpheus, the demi-god whose music had the power to conquer the forces of Hell and to bring his wife back, briefly, to life. The extracts used in this introduction are from Naxos’s full recording; it uses authentic period instruments, which serve to evoke the early Baroque period of the opera’s composition.
Author - Thomson Smillie.
Narrator - David Timson.
Published Date - Thursday, 19 January 2023.
Location:
United States
Networks:
Thomson Smillie
David Timson
Opera Explained
Naxos Audiobooks
English Audiobooks
Findaway Audiobooks
Description:
Monteverdi’s Orfeo, first performed in 1607, generates a special excitement because it is the first unquestioned masterpiece of opera. Notable for its precise orchestration and powerful drama it was a groundbreaking work. It concerns the legend of Orpheus, the demi-god whose music had the power to conquer the forces of Hell and to bring his wife back, briefly, to life. The extracts used in this introduction are from Naxos’s full recording; it uses authentic period instruments, which serve to evoke the early Baroque period of the opera’s composition. Author - Thomson Smillie. Narrator - David Timson. Published Date - Thursday, 19 January 2023.
Language:
English
Chapter 1
Duration:00:06:42
Chapter 2
Duration:00:06:34
Chapter 3
Duration:00:05:15
Chapter 4
Duration:00:05:56
Chapter 5
Duration:00:03:44
Chapter 6
Duration:00:07:01
Chapter 7
Duration:00:03:46
Chapter 8
Duration:00:07:12
Chapter 9
Duration:00:05:56
Chapter 10
Duration:00:04:44
Chapter 11
Duration:00:06:47
Chapter 12
Duration:00:06:11
Chapter 13
Duration:00:07:06