Orfeo ed Euridice

A chorus of nymphs and shepherds sings a mourning hymn around the tomb of Eurydice (“Ah, se intorno a quest’urna funesta”). Orpheus asks them to leave him alone, and express his grief for the death of his wife, his rage against the cruel gods, and his determination to bring Eurydice back to life (“Chiamo il mio ben così”). Cupid appears and tells Orpheus that Jove allows him to descend to the underworld to try to reclaim his wife. Orpheus must appease the Furies with his music and bring Eurydice back to the upper world without never looking at her or explaining his behaviour, otherwise he will lose her for ever (“Gli sguardi trattieni”). Orpheus heads to Hades with his lyre as only weapon.

The gates of Hades are guarded by Furies and demons, who threatens Orpheus with their dance (“Chi mai dell’Erebo fra le caligini”). Orpheus plays his lyre and sings his despair (“Deh, placatevi con me”). The Furies at first refuse to let him move on into the Elysian Fields. Then they are gradually touched by his laments and moved by his singing, and they let him pass the entrance of the underworld. The scene is now in the Elysian Fields. Orpheus arrives, seeking his beloved wife (“Che puro ciel”). The Blessed Spirits restore Eurydice, veiled, to Orpheus, and he hurries to lead her away, without looking at her.

Orpheus and Eurydice are on their road to the upper world. Eurydice, who doesn’t know of the gods injunction, is suspicious, and asks him to explain his behaviour or at least to look at her (“Vieni, appaga il tuo consorte”). Orpheus tries to keep his face turned away and to bring her to the upper world, but when she faints, he is forced to to infringe the gods’ will. As soon as their eyes meet, Eurydice dies again with a last farewell. Orpheus is desperate and about to kill himself (“Che farò senza Euridice”). Cupid appears and announces that Orpheus’ love and faith have moved again the gods. Eurydice is restored to life, and they will enjoy a new life of pleasures and love on earth (“Divo Amor, son tue pene”). Nymphs and shepherds celebrate with dances the power of Cupid (“Trionfi Amore”).