Euridice (Peri) characters Orfeo
Roles
Synopsis
Peri's Euridice tells the story of the musician Orpheus and Euridice from Greek Mythology.  According to myth, Orpheus was a great musician who journeyed to the underworld to plead with the gods to revive his wife Euridice after she had been fatally injured.Act 1
It opens with a simple melody by a singer representing  the Tragic Muse, La Tragedia, and a short ritornello.  Shepherds nearby and the Tragic Muse sing a conversation in recitatives and choruses, Daphne enters to notify everyone that Euridice has been fatally bitten by a serpent.
Scene 1
All of the nymphs and shepherds gather to celebrate the wedding of Orfeo and Euridice.
Scene 2
Orfeo is content after his wedding but is soon interrupted by Dafne.  She brings the terrible news that Euridice has been bitten by a venomous snake and has died.  Orfeo then vows to rescue her from the underworld.
Scene 3
Arcetro recounts that while Orfeo lay weeping, Venus, goddess of love, carries him off in her chariot.Act 2
This opens with Orpheus pleading with Venere, Plutone, Prosperina, Caronte, and Radamanto in the underworld for the return of his beloved wife Euridice. Nearly the entire scene is carried in recitative.  When the act closes, Orpheus is back with Tirsi and the other shepherds.
Scene 4
Venus and Orfeo arrive at the gates of the underworld. Venus suggests that through his legendary voice he might persuade Pluto to return Euridice to life.  Orfeo succeeds and is allowed to leave with his bride.
Scene 5
Orfeo and Euridice return from the underworld and rejoice.
roles protagonists personalities figures casts