Orpheus in the Underworld summary. The myth of Orpheus - the legend of the power of love

"Orpheus and Eurydice"(Italian: Orfeo ed Euridice) - an opera by K. F. Gluck, created in 1762 based on the plot of the Greek myth of Orpheus. The opera marked the beginning of Gluck's "opera reform", aimed at achieving an organic fusion of music and drama and subordinating musical development to dramatic development. The original version of the libretto was written Ranieri de Calzabigi in Italian. The opera premiered on October 5, 1762 at the Burgtheater in Vienna. The part of Orpheus was performed by a castrato viola Gaetano Guadagni.

Subsequently, the opera was revised by the author, and in 1774 a new edition was prepared with a libretto in French, authored by P.-L. Molina. This version of the opera was first presented to the public on August 2, 1774 in Paris, in Royal Academy of Music. In the 1774 edition, the part of Orpheus was written for a different voice: not an alto (as in the original), but a tenor.

In 1859, G. Berlioz prepared his own version of the opera, where the part of Orpheus is intended for a female voice (mezzo-soprano or contralto).

History of creation

K. V. Gluck

The original version of the libretto was written Ranieri de Calzabigi in Italian.

Subsequently, the opera was revised by the author, and in 1774 a new edition was prepared with a libretto in French, authored by P.-L. Molina. In the 1774 edition, the part of Orpheus was written for a different voice: not an alto (as in the original), but a tenor.

In 1859, G. Berlioz prepared his own edition of the opera.

Characters

The opera takes place in ancient Hellas during prehistoric times. The plot of the opera is taken from an ancient myth, which has many different versions. The librettist of the original edition of the opera, Ranieri de Calzabigi, chose the version contained in Virgil's Georgics.

Production history

The revised version of the opera was first presented to the public on August 2, 1774 in Paris, in Royal Academy emias of music.

The opera "Orpheus and Eurydice" was the first work in which Gluck implemented new ideas. Its premiere in Vienna on October 5, 1762 marked the beginning of operatic reform. Gluck wrote the recitative so that the meaning of the words came first, the orchestra's part was subordinate to the general mood of the stage, and the singing static figures finally began to play, showed artistic qualities, and the singing would be united with the action. The singing technique has been significantly simplified, but it has become more natural and much more attractive to listeners. The opera's overture also served to introduce the atmosphere and mood of the action that followed. In addition, Gluck turned the chorus into a direct component of the flow of the drama. The wonderful uniqueness of “Orpheus and Eurydice” lies in its “Italian” musicality. The dramatic structure is based on complete musical numbers, which, like the arias of the Italian school, captivate with their melodic beauty and completeness.

The ancient plot about the devoted love of Orpheus and Eurydice is one of the most common in opera. Before Gluck, it was used in the works of Peri, Caccini, Monteverdi, Landi and a number of minor authors. Gluck interpreted and embodied it in a new way. Gluck's reform, first carried out in Orpheus, was prepared by many years of creative experience, work in major European theaters; He was able to put his rich, flexible craftsmanship, perfected over decades, at the service of his idea of ​​​​creating a sublime tragedy.

The composer found an ardent like-minded person in the person of the poet Raniero Calzabigi (1714-1795). Of the many versions of the legend of Orpheus, the librettist chose the one set out in Virgil's Georgics. In it, ancient heroes appear in majestic and touching simplicity, endowed with feelings accessible to an ordinary mortal. This choice reflected a protest against the false pathos, rhetoric and pretentiousness of feudal-noble art.

In the first edition of the opera, presented on October 5, 1762 in Vienna, Gluck had not yet completely freed himself from the traditions of ceremonial performances - the part of Orpheus was entrusted to the viola castrato, the decorative role of Cupid was introduced; The ending of the opera, contrary to the myth, turned out to be happy. The second edition, which premiered in Paris on August 2, 1774, differed significantly from the first. The text has been re-written

de Molinoy. The part of Orpheus became more expressive and natural; it was expanded and given to the tenor. The scene in hell ended with the music of the finale from the ballet Don Juan; The famous flute solo, known in concert practice as Gluck’s “Melody,” was introduced into the music of “Blessed Shadows.”

In 1859, Gluck's opera was revived by Berlioz. Pauline Viardot performed the role of Orpheus. Since then, there has been a tradition of the singer performing the title role.

Summary

In a beautiful secluded grove of laurels and cypresses is the tomb of Eurydice. Orpheus mourns his girlfriend. Shepherds and shepherdesses, sympathizing with him, call on the spirit of the deceased to hear the groans of her husband. They light a sacrificial fire and decorate the monument with flowers. Orpheus asks to be left alone with his sad thoughts. In vain he calls on Eurydice - he only echoes the name of his beloved in the valley, forests, and among the rocks. Orpheus begs the gods to return his beloved or take his life.

Cupid appears; he declares the will of Zeus: Orpheus is allowed to descend into hell, and if the voice of the singer and the sounds of his lyre touch the wicked, he will return with Eurydice. Orpheus must fulfill only one condition: not to look at his wife until they reach Earth, otherwise Eurydice will be lost forever. Orpheus's selfless love is ready to withstand all tests.

Thick, dark smoke shrouds the mysterious area, occasionally illuminated by flashes of hellfire. Furies and underground spirits start a wild dance. Orpheus appears playing the lyre. The spirits try to intimidate him with terrible visions. Orpheus calls to them three times, begging them to ease his suffering. Through the power of art, the singer manages to soften them. The spirits admit themselves defeated and open the way to the underworld for Orpheus.

A miraculous transformation takes place. Orpheus finds himself in Elysium - a beautiful kingdom of blissful shadows. Here he finds Eurydice's shadow. Earthly anxieties are alien to her; the peace and joy of a magical land have enchanted her. Orpheus is amazed by the beauty of the landscape, wonderful sounds, and birdsong. But he can only be happy with Eurydice. Without turning around, Orpheus takes her hand and hurriedly leaves.

A gloomy gorge with overhanging rocks and intricate paths appears again. Orpheus is in a hurry to bring Eurydice out of him. But the beloved is upset and alarmed: her husband never looked at her. Has he grown cold towards her, has her beauty faded? Eurydice's reproaches cause Orpheus unbearable mental pain, but he is unable to disobey the gods. Again and again, Eurydice begs her husband to turn his gaze to her. It is better for her to die than to live unloved. Desperate Orpheus gives in to her requests. He looks back and Eurydice falls dead. Orpheus' inconsolable grief knows no bounds. He is ready to stab himself with a dagger, but Cupid stops him. The husband proved his fidelity, and by the will of the gods, Eurydice comes to life again.

A crowd of shepherds and shepherdesses joyfully greets the heroes, entertaining them with singing and cheerful dancing. Orpheus, Eurydice and Cupid glorify the all-conquering power of love and the wisdom of the gods.

In the north of Greece, in Thrace, lived the singer Orpheus. He had a wonderful gift of songs, and his fame spread throughout the land of the Greeks.

The beautiful Eurydice fell in love with him for his songs. She became his wife. But their happiness was short-lived. One day Orpheus and Eurydice were in the forest. Orpheus played his seven-stringed cithara and sang. Eurydice was picking flowers in the meadows. Unnoticed, she moved far from her husband, into the wilderness of the forest. Suddenly it seemed to her that someone was running through the forest, breaking branches, chasing her, she got scared and, throwing the flowers, ran back to Orpheus. She ran, without knowing the road, through the thick grass and in a rapid run stepped into a snake’s nest. The snake wrapped itself around her leg and bit her. Eurydice screamed loudly in pain and fear and fell onto the grass. Orpheus heard his wife's plaintive cry from a distance and hurried to her. But he saw large black wings flash between the trees - it was Death that was carrying Eurydice into the underworld.

Great was the grief of Orpheus. He left people and spent whole days alone, wandering through the forests, pouring out his melancholy in songs. And there was such power in these melancholy songs that the trees moved from their places and surrounded the singer. Animals came out of their holes, birds left their nests, stones moved closer. And everyone listened to how he missed his beloved.

Nights and days passed, but Orpheus could not console himself, his sadness grew with every hour.

No, I can’t live without Eurydice! - he said. - The land is not dear to me without her. Let Death take me too, let me at least be in the underworld with my beloved!

But Death did not come. And Orpheus decided to go to the kingdom of the dead himself.

For a long time he searched for the entrance to the underground kingdom and, finally, in the deep cave of Tenara he found a stream that flowed into the underground river Styx. Along the bed of this stream, Orpheus descended deep underground and reached the bank of the Styx. Beyond this river began the kingdom of the dead.

The waters of the Styx are black and deep, and it is scary for the living to step into them. Orpheus heard sighs and quiet crying behind him - these were the shadows of the dead, like him, who were waiting for crossing into a country from which no one can return.

A boat separated from the opposite shore: the carrier of the dead, Charon, was sailing for new newcomers. Charon silently moored to the shore, and shadows obediently filled the boat. Orpheus began to ask Charon:

Take me to the other side too! But Charon refused:

I only transfer the dead to the other side. When you die, I will come for you!

Have pity! - Orpheus prayed. - I don’t want to live anymore! It's hard for me to stay on earth alone! I want to see my Eurydice!

The stern ferryman pushed him away and was about to set sail from the shore, but the strings of the cithara rang plaintively, and Orpheus began to sing. Sad and gentle sounds echoed under the gloomy arches of Hades. The cold waves of the Styx stopped, and Charon himself, leaning on his oar, listened to the song. Orpheus entered the boat, and Charon obediently transported him to the other side. Hearing the hot song of the living about undying love, the shadows of the dead flew from all sides. Orpheus walked boldly through the silent kingdom of the dead, and no one stopped him.

So he reached the palace of the ruler of the underworld, Hades, and entered a vast and gloomy hall. High on the golden throne sat the formidable Hades and next to him his beautiful queen Persephone.

With a sparkling sword in his hand, in a black cloak, with huge black wings, the god of Death stood behind Hades, and around him crowded his servants, Kera, who fly on the battlefield and take the lives of warriors. The stern judges of the underworld sat to the side of the throne and judged the dead for their earthly deeds.

Memories were hidden in the dark corners of the hall, behind the columns. They had scourges made of live snakes in their hands, and they painfully stung those standing before the court.

Orpheus saw many kinds of monsters in the kingdom of the dead: Lamia, which steals small children from mothers at night, and the terrible Empusa with donkey legs, drinking the blood of people, and ferocious Stygian dogs.

Only the younger brother of the god of Death - the god of Sleep, young Hypnos, beautiful and joyful, rushed around the hall on his light wings, stirring a sleepy drink in his silver horn, which no one on earth can resist - even the great Thunderer Zeus himself falls asleep when Hypnos splashes into it with your potion.

Hades looked menacingly at Orpheus, and everyone around him began to tremble.

But the singer approached the throne of the gloomy ruler and sang even more inspired: he sang about his love for Eurydice.

Persephone listened to the song without breathing, and tears rolled from her beautiful eyes. The terrible Hades bowed his head on his chest and thought. The God of Death lowered his sparkling sword.

The singer fell silent, and the silence lasted for a long time. Then Hades raised his head and asked:

What are you looking for, singer, in the kingdom of the dead? Tell me what you want and I promise to fulfill your request.

Orpheus said to Hades:

Lord! Our life on earth is short, and Death overtakes us all someday and takes us to your kingdom - no mortal can escape it. But I, alive, myself came to the kingdom of the dead to ask you: give me back my Eurydice! She had lived so little on earth, had so little time to rejoice, loved so briefly... Let her go, lord, to earth! Let her live in the world a little longer, let her enjoy the sun, warmth and light and the greenery of the fields, the spring charm of the forests and my love. After all, she will return to you after all!

So spoke Orpheus and asked Persephone:

Intercede for me, beautiful queen! You know how good life is on earth! Help me get my Eurydice back!

Let it be as you ask! - Hades said to Orpheus. - I will return Eurydice to you. You can take her with you up to the bright earth. But you have to promise...

Anything you want! - Orpheus exclaimed. - I’m ready to do anything to see my Eurydice again!

You must not see her until you come out into the light,” Hades said. - Return to earth and know: Eurydice will follow you. But don't look back and try to look at her. If you look back, you will lose her forever!

And Hades ordered Eurydice to follow Orpheus.

Orpheus quickly headed towards the exit from the kingdom of the dead. Like a spirit, he passed through the land of Death, and the shadow of Eurydice followed him. They entered Charon's boat, and he silently transported them back to the shore of life. A steep rocky path led up to the ground.

Orpheus slowly climbed the mountain. It was dark and quiet around him and quiet behind him, as if no one was following him. Only his heart was beating:

“Eurydice! Eurydice!

Finally it began to get lighter ahead, and the exit to the ground was close. And the closer the exit was, the brighter it became ahead, and now everything around was clearly visible.

Anxiety squeezed Orpheus’s heart: is Eurydice here? Is he following him? Forgetting everything in the world, Orpheus stopped and looked around.

Where are you, Eurydice? Let me look at you! For a moment, very close, he saw a sweet shadow, a dear, beautiful face... But only for a moment. Eurydice's shadow immediately flew away, disappeared, melted into the darkness.

Eurydice?!

With a desperate cry, Orpheus began to go back down the path and again came to the shore of the black Styx and called for the ferryman. But in vain he prayed and called: no one responded to his prayers. For a long time Orpheus sat on the bank of the Styx alone and waited. He didn't wait for anyone.

He had to return to earth and live. But he could not forget his only love - Eurydice, and the memory of her lived in his heart and in his songs.

Literature:
Smirnova V. //Heroes of Hellas, - M.: "Children's Literature", 1971 - p.103-109

The myth of Orpheus and his beloved Eurydice is one of the most famous myths about love. No less interesting is this mysterious singer himself, about whom not much reliable information has survived. The myth of Orpheus, which we will talk about, is only one of the few legends dedicated to this character. There are also many legends and fairy tales about Orpheus.

The myth of Orpheus and Eurydice: summary

According to legend, this great singer lived in Thrace, located in northern Greece. Translated, his name means “healing with light.” He had a wonderful gift of songs. His fame spread throughout the Greek land. Eurydice, a young beauty, fell in love with him for his beautiful songs and became his wife. The myth of Orpheus and Eurydice begins with a description of these happy events.

However, the carefree happiness of the lovers was short-lived. The myth of Orpheus continues with the fact that one day the couple went into the forest. Orpheus sang and played the seven-string cithara. Eurydice began to collect flowers growing in the clearings.

The Kidnapping of Eurydice

Suddenly the girl felt that someone was running after her through the forest. She got scared and rushed to Orpheus, throwing flowers. The girl ran through the grass, not making out the road, and suddenly she fell into a snake wrapped around her leg and stung Eurydice. The girl screamed loudly in fear and pain. She fell on the grass. Hearing the plaintive cry of his wife, Orpheus hurried to her aid. But he only managed to see how large black wings flashed between the trees. Death took the girl to the underworld. It’s interesting how the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice will continue, isn’t it?

Orpheus' grief

The great singer’s grief was very great. After reading the myth about Orpheus and Eurydice, we learn that the young man left people and spent whole days alone, wandering through the forests. In his songs, Orpheus poured out his longing. They had such power that the trees that had fallen from their places surrounded the singer. Animals came out of their holes, stones moved closer and closer, and birds left their nests. Everyone listened to how Orpheus yearned for his beloved girl.

Orpheus goes to the kingdom of the dead

Days passed, but the singer could not console himself. His sadness grew every hour. Realizing that he could no longer live without his wife, he decided to go to the underworld of Hades in order to find her. Orpheus searched for the entrance there for a long time. Finally, he found a stream in Tenara's deep cave. It flowed into the river Styx, located underground. Orpheus went down the stream bed and reached the bank of the Styx. The kingdom of the dead, which began beyond this river, was revealed to him. The waters of the Styx were deep and black. It was scary for a living creature to step into them.

Hades gives Eurydice

Orpheus went through many trials in this terrible place. Love helped him cope with everything. Eventually, Orpheus reached the palace of Hades, ruler of the underworld. He turned to him with a request to return Eurydice, a girl so young and beloved by him. Hades took pity on the singer and agreed to give him his wife. However, one condition had to be met: it was impossible to look at Eurydice until he brought her to the kingdom of the living. Orpheus made a promise that throughout the entire journey he would not turn around and look at his beloved. If the ban was violated, the singer risked losing his wife forever.

Way back

Orpheus quickly headed towards the exit from the underworld. He passed through the domain of Hades in the form of a spirit, and the shadow of Eurydice followed him. The lovers boarded the boat of Charon, who silently carried the couple to the shore of life. A steep rocky path led to the ground. Orpheus slowly climbed up. It was quiet and dark around. It seemed that no one was following him.

Violation of the ban and its consequences

But it began to get brighter ahead, and the exit to the ground was already close. And the shorter the distance to the exit, the brighter it became. Finally, everything around me became clearly visible. Orpheus' heart was filled with anxiety. He began to doubt whether Eurydice was following him. Forgetting his promise, the singer turned around. For a moment, very close, he saw a beautiful face, a sweet shadow... The myth of Orpheus and Eurydice tells that this shadow immediately flew away and disappeared into the darkness. Orpheus, with a desperate cry, began to go back down the path. He again came to the shore of the Styx and began to call the ferryman. Orpheus prayed in vain: no one responded. The singer sat alone for a long time on the bank of the Styx and waited. However, he never waited for anyone. He had to return to earth and continue to live. He was never able to forget Eurydice, his only love. The memory of her lived in his songs and in his heart. Eurydice is the divine soul of Orpheus. He will unite with her only after death.

This ends the myth of Orpheus. We will supplement its brief content with an analysis of the main images presented in it.

Image of Orpheus

Orpheus is a mysterious image that is found in a number of Greek myths. This is a symbol of a musician who conquers the world with the power of sounds. He is able to move plants, animals and even stones, and also evoke in the gods of the underworld (the underworld) compassion that is not typical for them. The image of Orpheus also symbolizes overcoming alienation.

This singer can be seen as the personification of the power of art, which contributes to the transformation of chaos into the cosmos. Thanks to art, a world of harmony and causality, images and forms is created, that is, the “human world”.

Orpheus, unable to hold on to his love, also became a symbol of human weakness. Because of her, he was unable to cross the fatal threshold and failed in his attempt to return Eurydice. This is a reminder that there is a tragic side to life.

The image of Orpheus is also considered a mythical personification of one secret teaching, according to which the planets move around the Sun, located at the center of the Universe. The source of universal harmony and connection is the force of its attraction. And the rays emanating from it are the reason why particles move in the Universe.

Image of Eurydice

The myth of Orpheus is a legend in which the image of Eurydice is a symbol of oblivion and tacit knowledge. This is the idea of ​​detachment and silent omniscience. In addition, it is correlated with the image of music, in search of which Orpheus is.

The Kingdom of Hades and the Image of Lyra

The kingdom of Hades, depicted in the myth, is the kingdom of the dead, beginning far in the west, where the sun plunges into the depths of the sea. This is how the idea of ​​winter, darkness, death, night appears. The element of Hades is the earth, which again takes its children to itself. However, the sprouts of new life lurk in her womb.

The image of Lyra represents the magical element. With his help, Orpheus touches the hearts of both people and gods.

Reflection of myth in literature, painting and music

This myth was first mentioned in the writings of Publius Ovid Naso, the major “Metamorphoses” - a book that is his main work. In it, Ovid expounds about 250 myths about the transformations of heroes and gods of ancient Greece.

The myth of Orpheus outlined by this author has attracted poets, composers and artists in all eras and times. Almost all of his subjects are represented in the paintings of Tiepolo, Rubens, Corot and others. Many operas have been created based on this plot: “Orpheus” (1607, author - C. Monteverdi), “Orpheus in Hell” (operetta of 1858, written by J. Offenbach), “Orpheus” (1762, author - K.V. Glitch).

As for literature, in Europe in the 20-40s of the 20th century this topic was developed by J. Anouilh, R. M. Rilke, P. Zh. Zhuve, I. Gol, A. Gide and others. At the beginning of the 20th century in Russian poetry, the motifs of myth were reflected in the work of M. Tsvetaeva (“Phaedra”) and in the work of O. Mandelstam.

Selezneva Daria

Orpheus and Eurydice

Summary of the myth

Frederic Leighton. Orpheus and Eurydice

According to legend, the singer Orpheus lived in the north of Greece, in Thrace. His name translates as “healing with light.”

He had a wonderful gift of songs, and his fame spread throughout the land of the Greeks. The beautiful Eurydice fell in love with him for his songs. She became his wife. But their happiness was short-lived. One day Orpheus and Eurydice were in the forest. Orpheus played his seven-stringed cithara and sang. Eurydice was picking flowers in the meadows. Unnoticed, she got lost. Suddenly it seemed to her that someone was running through the forest, breaking branches, chasing her, she got scared and, throwing the flowers, ran back to Orpheus. She ran, without knowing the road, through the thick grass and in a rapid run stepped into a snake’s nest. The snake wrapped itself around her leg and bit her. Eurydice screamed loudly in pain and fear and fell onto the grass. Orpheus heard his wife's plaintive cry from a distance and hurried to her. But he saw large black wings flash between the trees - it was Death that was carrying Eurydice into the underworld.

Great was the grief of Orpheus. He left people and spent whole days alone, wandering through the forests, pouring out his melancholy in songs. And there was such power in these melancholy songs that the trees moved from their places and surrounded the singer. Animals came out of their holes, birds left their nests, stones moved closer. And everyone listened to how he missed his beloved.

Nights and days passed, but Orpheus could not console himself, his sadness grew with every hour. Realizing that he could no longer live without his wife, Orpheus went to look for her in the underground kingdom of Hades. For a long time he searched for the entrance to the underground kingdom and, finally, in the deep cave of Tenara he found a stream that flowed into the underground river Styx. Along the bed of this stream, Orpheus descended deep underground and reached the bank of the Styx. Beyond this river began the kingdom of the dead. The waters of the Styx are black and deep, and it is scary for the living to step into them.

Having gone through many trials in the kingdom of the dead, Orpheus, driven by the power of love, reaches the palace of the formidable ruler of the underworld - Hades. Orpheus turned to Hades with a request to return Eurydice to him, who was still so young and loved by him. Hades took pity on Orpheus and agreed to let his wife go only on one condition, which Orpheus had to fulfill: he should not see her throughout their entire journey to the land of the living. He promised Orpheus that Eurydice would follow him, but he should not turn around and look at her. If he violates the ban, he will lose his wife forever.

Orpheus quickly headed towards the exit from the kingdom of the dead. Like a spirit, he passed through the land of Death, and the shadow of Eurydice followed him. They entered Charon's boat, and he silently transported them back to the shore of life. A steep rocky path led up to the ground. Orpheus slowly climbed the mountain. It was dark and quiet around him and quiet behind him, as if no one was following him.

Finally it began to get lighter ahead, and the exit to the ground was close. And the closer the exit was, the brighter it became ahead, and now everything around was clearly visible. Anxiety squeezed Orpheus’s heart: is Eurydice here? Is he following him? Forgetting everything in the world, Orpheus stopped and looked around. For a moment, very close, he saw a sweet shadow, a dear, beautiful face... But only for a moment. Eurydice's shadow immediately flew away, disappeared, melted into the darkness. With a desperate cry, Orpheus began to go back down the path and again came to the shore of the black Styx and called for the ferryman. But in vain he prayed and called: no one responded to his prayers. For a long time Orpheus sat on the bank of the Styx alone and waited. He didn't wait for anyone. He had to return to earth and live. But he could not forget his only love - Eurydice, and the memory of her lived in his heart and in his songs. Eurydice represents the divine soul of Orpheus, with whom he unites after death.

Images and symbols of myth

Orpheus, a mysterious image from Greek myths and a symbol of a musician who, with the conquering power of sounds, could move animals, plants and even stones, and evoke compassion among the gods of the underworld (underworld). Image of Orpheus- it is also overcoming human alienation.

Orpheus- this is the power of art, which contributes to the transformation of chaos into space - a world of causality and harmony, forms and images, the real “human world”.

The inability to hold on to love also turned Orpheus into a symbol of human weakness, leading to failure at the moment of crossing the fatal threshold, a reminder of the tragic side of life...

Image of Orpheus- the mythical personification of the secret teaching according to which the planets revolve around the Sun, located at the center of the Universe. The force of attraction of the Sun is the source of universal connection and harmony, and the rays emanating from it are the reason for the movement of particles of the Universe.

Image of Eurydice- a symbol of silent knowledge and oblivion. The idea of ​​embodied silent omniscience and detachment. She is also associated with the image of the music that Orpheus is looking for.

Image of Lyra- a magical instrument with which Orpheus touches the hearts of not only people, but also the Gods.

Kingdom of Hades- the kingdom of the dead, which begins far in the west, where the sun descends into the depths of the sea. This is how the idea of ​​night, death, darkness, winter arises. The element of Hades is the earth, which again takes its children to itself, but in its bosom lie the seeds of a new life.

Communicative means of creating images and symbols

Emil Ben
Death of Orpheus, 1874

The myth of Orpheus and Eurydice was first mentioned in the works of the greatest Roman poet Publius Ovid Naso. His main work was the book “Metamorphoses,” in which Ovid expounds about 250 myths about the transformations of Greek gods and heroes. The myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, as presented, has attracted poets, artists and composers in all times and eras.

Almost all the subjects of the myth were reflected in the paintings of Rubens, Tiepolo, Corot and many others.

Many operas were written, the leitmotif of which was the myth of Orpheus: the opera “Orpheus” (C. Monteverdi, 1607), the opera “Orpheus” (K.V. Gluck, 1762), the operetta “Orpheus in Hell” (J. Offenbach, 1858 )

In the 15th-19th centuries. various plots of the myth were used by G. Bellini, F. Cossa, B. Carducci, G. V. Tiepolo, P. P. Rubens, Giulio Romano, J. Tintoretto, Domenichino, A. Canova, Rodin and others.

In European literature of the 20-40s. 20th century The theme “Orpheus and Eurydice” was developed by R. M. Rilke, J. Anouilh, I. Gol, P. Zh. Zhuve, A. Gide and others.

Orpheus is the hero of J. Cocteau's tragedy "Orpheus" (1928). Cocteau uses ancient material in search of the eternal and always modern philosophical meaning hidden at the heart of the ancient myth. Two films by Charles Cocteau were devoted to the theme of Orpheus - “Orpheus” (1949) and “The Testament of Orpheus” (1960). The ancient singer is the hero of G. Ibsen’s “family drama” “Orpheus” (1884). T. Mann uses the image of Orpheus as the main character in the work “Death in Venice” (1911). Orpheus is the main character in The Tin Drum (1959) by Günter Grass.

In Russian poetry of the early 20th century. The motives of the myth of Orpheus were reflected in the works of O. Mandelstam and M. Tsvetaeva (“Phaedra”, 1923).

In 1975, composer Alexander Zhurbin and playwright Yuri Dimitrin wrote the first Soviet rock opera, Orpheus and Eurydice. It was staged by the Singing Guitars ensemble in the opera studio at the Leningrad Conservatory. In 2003, the rock opera “Orpheus and Eurydice” was included in the Guinness Book of Records as the musical performed the maximum number of times by one ensemble. At the time of registration of the record, the performance was performed for the 2350th time. This took place at the St. Petersburg Rock Opera Theater.

Social significance of the myth

"Landscape with Orpheus and Eurydice" 1648

Orpheus is the greatest singer and musician, the son of the muse Calliope and Apollo (according to another version, the Thracian king), from whom he receives his instrument, a 7-string lyre, to which he later added 2 more strings, making it an instrument of 9 muses. According to myths, Orpheus participated in the Argonauts' journey for the Golden Fleece, helping out his friends during trials. Orpheus was considered the founder of Orphism - a special mystical cult. According to Orphic teaching, the immortal soul dwells in a mortal body; after human death, she goes to the underworld for purification, and then moves into another shell - the body of a person, animal, etc., enriching herself with the experience acquired during these successive reincarnations. Reflections of the Orphic idea that the soul can become free only by breaking away from the body.

Time passed, and the real Orpheus became hopelessly identified with his teachings and became a symbol of the Greek school of wisdom. The initiates abstained from carnal pleasures and wore white linen, symbolizing purity. The Greeks highly appreciated the amazing strength and intelligence of Orpheus, his courage and fearlessness. He is the favorite of numerous legends, he patronized sports schools, gymnasiums and palaestras, where young men were taught the art of winning. And among the Romans, retiring gladiators dedicated their weapons to the famous hero. The image of Orpheus to this day revives in people faith in the power of eternal, beautiful, incomprehensible love, faith in fidelity and devotion, in the unity of souls, faith that there is at least one small hope of getting out of the darkness of the underworld. He combined internal and external beauty, thereby being a role model for many.

The teaching of Orpheus is the teaching of light, purity and Great boundless love, all of humanity received it, and every person inherited part of the light of Orpheus. This is a gift from the gods that lives in the soul of each of us.

References

1. Myths of the peoples of the world //http://myths.kulichki.ru
2. Abstract: The image of Orpheus in mythology, ancient literature and art. Plots. Attributes http://www.roman.by
3. Orpheus //http://ru.wikipedia.org
4. The myth of Orpheus and Eurydice in the lyrics of the Silver Age //http://gymn.tom.ru

K. Gluck opera "Orpheus and Eurydice"

The famous opera “Orpheus and Eurydice” by Christoph Willibald Gluck especially vividly glorifies the sublimity of feelings, devoted love and dedication of the heroes of Greek mythology. The ancient plot, rich in dramatic elements, is the most common in opera and is found in the musical works of many composers.

Brief summary of the opera Gluck "" and many interesting facts about this work, read on our page.

Summary

The legendary musician Orpheus finds no peace; his beloved Eurydice died and the unfortunate husband does not leave her tomb. In tears, Orpheus appeals to the gods with a request to bring his wife back to life or kill him. The velvety voice of the musician was heard by the heavens. At the behest of Zeus, Cupid appears, who is called upon to voice the will of the gods. The heavenly messenger notifies Orpheus that he is allowed to go down to hell and find his wife. If the sounds of the lyre and the beautiful voice of the inconsolable husband touch the spirits, he will be able to return Eurydice. However, on the way from the kingdom of the dead, Orpheus must not look back, he is also forbidden to look into the eyes of his wife. The last condition is the most difficult, but mandatory. Looking back, Orpheus will forever lose his Eurydice.
Orpheus in love is ready for any challenge, and now a gloomy area appears before him, shrouded in thick fog. The mystical entities that live here block the path of the uninvited guest and try to frighten him with their wild dances and visions. Orpheus begs the spirits for mercy, but only the power of art can soften his suffering. The amazing melodies of the lyre and the divine voice of the singer defeat the guards of hell, the spirits give in and the road to the underworld opens up for him.

After a difficult ordeal, Orpheus finds himself in the village of blessed shadows. This amazing area is called Elysium. Here, among the shadows of the dead, is the peaceful Eurydice. In this place, Orpheus feels calm and bliss, but without his beloved, his happiness is incomplete. The wonderful landscape and melodious singing of birds fascinate and inspire Orpheus. The musician enthusiastically sings a hymn to the beauty of nature. The chant of the loving husband attracts the blissful shadows, which bring Eurydice. One of the shadows removes the veil from the deceased and joins the hands of the lovers, reminding the faithful spouse of an important condition. Orpheus quickly leads his wife away without looking back. On the way from the afterlife, Eurydice gradually turns into a living woman with passionate feelings and emotions.

The lovers again find themselves in a terrifying and mysterious gorge with steep cliffs and dark, winding paths. Orpheus strives to leave this place as quickly as possible, but Eurydice is disappointed by her husband’s composure; she asks her beloved to look into her eyes and show her old feelings. We won't beg Orpheus. Has his love faded away? Why did my beloved husband become indifferent? Eurydice refuses to leave the afterlife. It is better to return to the kingdom of the dead than to live in the contempt of a loved one. Orpheus experiences terrible mental anguish and finally gives in to the pleas of his beloved, taking her into his arms. The prophecy of the gods comes true and Eurydice falls dead.

There is no limit to Orpheus' grief. Just a few steps were not enough for him to find happiness, and now his beloved wife is forever dead. Desperate, he tries to take his own life, but the god of love, Cupid, stops the unfortunate lover. The great musician’s ardent feelings and dedication amaze the gods, and they resurrect Eurydice. A choir of shepherdesses and shepherds solemnly greets the lovers. There are songs and dances praising the wisdom of the gods and the power of all-conquering love.

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Interesting facts

• Gluck significantly simplified the singing technique, and the overture created the atmosphere of the mood of the next act of the play.
• The rock opera “Orpheus and Eurydice”, created during the Soviet Union, has a rather interesting history. The production was a huge success in the country and was performed 2,000 times. The performance in the genre of rock music was awarded a British Musical Award, but has never been staged abroad. The rock opera was updated eight times, and in 2003 it was included in the Guinness Book of Fame for performing the musical 2,350 times by one troupe.
• In the Soviet Union, the term “rock” evoked unpleasant emotions among representatives of the Ministry of Culture, so a rock opera with a plot about Orpheus was called “zong opera.”
• The first performer of the role of Orpheus in the zong opera was Albert Assadulin. A talented actor with a crystal clear voice, he is an artist-architect by training. In 2000, this performer presented his own version of the work.
• Gluck's opera "Orpheus and Eurydice" is considered reformatory due to the author's desire for a harmonious fusion of dramatic elements and music. Despite the success of the premiere in 1762 and the presentation of the second edition in 1774, the opera created the ground for much controversy. The public did not immediately accept the Austrian composer's innovative decisions, but after the opera was revised again in 1859, the conflict finally ended in Gluck's favor.
• Raniero Calzabigi warmly supported Gluck during the plotting and staging of the play. The legend of Orpheus had many different variations, but the librettist chose the plot from the collection “Georgics”, written by the great ancient Roman poet Virgil. The author describes vivid mythological images and at the end of the book retells the famous myth of Orpheus.
• Orpheus personified the power of musical art; he became the founder of the philosophical movement - Orphism. This religious school played a certain role in the development of Greek science.
• In 1950, the myth “Orpheus and Eurydice” was filmed in a modified form in France. The plot of the film differs significantly from the ancient Greek myth.
• Gluck was the first composer to combine poetry and music into a single whole. The author's efforts were rewarded with stunning success, honorary titles and cash prizes. In 1774, Maria Theresa awarded the great maestro the title of court composer with a salary of 2,000 guilders, and Marie Antoinette awarded the famous author 20,000 livres for “Orpheus” and the same for “Iphigenia.”

Popular arias and numbers

Overture (listen)

Orpheus' Aria - Che farò senza Euridice (listen)

Choir of Furies - Chi Mai dell "Erebo (listen)

Eurydice's Aria - Che fiero momento (listen)

History of creation

According to Greek mythology, Orpheus was revered as a great musician. This legendary hero was worshiped like a deity, so opera productions about him are very natural. The earliest opera score based on the story of Orpheus dates back to 1600. Later, in the 18th and 19th centuries, composers repeatedly created their musical works with the participation of this character, and among the most recent authors is the French composer and music critic Darius Milhaud.

Today we can see only one version of the story about Orpheus - this work Christophor Willibald Gluck "Orpheus and Eurydice." Together with his like-minded person, librettist Raniero da Calzabigi, the Austrian composer somewhat changed the plot of the myth. The number of actions has been reduced, but many choral numbers and ballet inserts have been added. The opera, based on the Greek myth, premiered on October 5, 1762 in Vienna. Ancient heroes appeared before the viewer as mere mortals with feelings and emotions inherent in ordinary people. Thus, the author expressed his categorical protest against pathos and arrogance.

Productions

The first production of the opera, dated October 5, 1762, is not entirely different from the traditional gala performances of the time. In this version, the decorative role of Cupid is presented, and the performance of the main character's arias is entrusted to a male viola. The happy ending of the opera celebrates the triumph of love and fidelity, in contrast to the ending of the myth, where Eurydice dies forever.

The second edition of the opera differed significantly from the first, as it was rewritten. The musical work was staged in Paris in 1774. This variation is characterized by the expressiveness of the role of Orpheus, which is now performed by a tenor. At the end of the action in hell, music from the ballet “Don Juan” plays. A flute solo accompanies the shadow music.

Opera changed again in 1859 thanks to a French composer and conductor Hector Berlioz . Then the role of Orpheus was played by a woman, Pauline Viardot. Since that time, there has been a tradition of a contralto singer playing the role of the main character.
Russian audiences first saw the opera in 1782 in the Italian style, and the first Russian production was performed in St. Petersburg in 1867.

The sad legend about unhappy lovers has undergone many changes, however, only the plot structure of the work has been artfully combined with musicality. Each aria of the opera is distinguished by its beauty, artistry and completeness, and the singing technique has become more natural and understandable for the listener. Thanks to Gluck, we can see a real triumph of love and fidelity. The Austrian composer replaced the tragic ending with a happy ending. The musical work proves to the viewer that real feelings are not subject to time, distance, or even death.

Christoph Willibald Gluck "Orpheus and Eurydice"