Orpheus versus Orpheus

Orfeo e Euridice is the first of Christoph W Gluck's three 'reform' operas in which all the elements (music, singing, ballet) of musical theatre were fully integrated. The 'noble simplicity' in the action and the music was intended to replace the complicated plot and the florid and flowery musical style of Italian opera seria and of French tragédie lyrique. As compared to Alceste and Paride ed Elena — the other two operas of Gluck's 'revolution', Orfeo e Euridice requires a small orchestral ensemble, three singers, a chorus and only a few dancers. Hence, it is comparatively easy, and not very costly, to stage...