Orfeo, SV 318: Sinfonie e Ritornelli (Malipiero)

ORFEO, SV 318, by Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643), is the earliest regularly-performed opera. It was composed for the court of Vincenzo Gonzaga, in which he had gained experience in writing music for the theatre over the course of his employment. Its innovative blend of songs, recitatives, choruses and dances has borne a powerful influence on the traditions and elements associated with opera performance. The libretto by Alessandro Striggio tells the story of Orfeo and Euridice. Their blissful marriage is tragically cut short when Euridice suffers a snake bite. Orfeo descends to the Underworld in search of her. His grief-filled songs stir King Plutone to release Euridice, but only on the condition that on the return journey he refrain from looking back at her. Failing this request, he returns alone to grieve until Apollo grants him the chance to ascend to heaven where he will see her likeness in the stars. The opera premiered on February 24, 1607 at the Ducal Palace in Mantua. The opening prologue, the dramatic Sinfonie e Ritornelli, is here arranged by Gian Francesco Malipiero. Instrumentation: String Orchestra (3-3-2.3.2.2 in set).