Experience the timeless masterpiece "L'Orfeo" by Claudio Monteverdi, a seminal work that bridges the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods. This 2004 release, originally composed in 1607, is a seminal opera that has captivated audiences for centuries. With a runtime of just over an hour, this recording offers a comprehensive journey through Monteverdi's groundbreaking composition, featuring a prologue and two acts filled with exquisite arias and ensemble pieces.
The album, released under Warner Classics, showcases the rich tapestry of Monteverdi's musical genius. The opera, known as a "favola in musica," is a testament to the composer's innovative approach to storytelling through music. The performance is meticulously edited by Raymond Leppard, ensuring an authentic and immersive experience.
"L'Orfeo" is a cornerstone of the operatic repertoire, telling the mythical story of Orpheus and his quest to retrieve his beloved Eurydice from the underworld. The opera's haunting melodies and dramatic narratives are brought to life by a stellar cast of vocalists and musicians, each contributing to the opera's enduring appeal.
This recording is a must-listen for classical music enthusiasts and opera lovers alike. Whether you are a seasoned fan of Monteverdi's work or a newcomer to the world of Baroque opera, "L'Orfeo" offers a profound and enriching experience. The album's detailed tracklist, spanning over 80 songs, provides a comprehensive exploration of Monteverdi's musical vision, making it an essential addition to any classical music collection.
Monteverdi: L'Orfeo, favola in musica, SV 318, Prologue: "Hor mentre i canti alterno" (La Musica)Claudio Monteverdi, Emmanuelle Haïm/Le Concert d`Astrée/Natalie Dessay, Emmanuelle Haïm
Monteverdi: L'Orfeo, favola in musica, SV 318, Act 1: "In questi lieto fortunato giorno" (Pastore III)Claudio Monteverdi, Ian Bostridge, Emmanuelle Haïm
Monteverdi: L'Orfeo, favola in musica, SV 318, Act 1: "Alcun non sia che disperato" (Pastori II, III) - RitornelloClaudio Monteverdi, Emmanuelle Haïm/Le Concert d`Astrée/Christopher Maltman/Pascal Bertin/Paul Agnew/Richard Burkhard, Emmanuelle Haïm
Monteverdi: L'Orfeo, favola in musica, SV 318, Act 1: "Che poiché nembo rio gravido il seno" (Ninfa, Pastori I, IV) - RitornelloClaudio Monteverdi, Emmanuelle Haïm/Le Concert d`Astrée/Christopher Maltman/Pascal Bertin/Paul Agnew/Richard Burkhard/Carolyn Sampson, Emmanuelle Haïm
Monteverdi: L'Orfeo, favola in musica, SV 318, Act 1: "E dopo l'aspro gel del verno ignudo" (Pastori I, II)Claudio Monteverdi, Le Concert d`Astrée/Christopher Maltman/Emmanuelle Haïm/Pascal Bertin/Paul Agnew/Richard Burkhard, Emmanuelle Haïm
Monteverdi: L'Orfeo, favola in musica, SV 318, Act 1: "Orfeo, di cui pur dianzi" (Ninfe, Pastori)Claudio Monteverdi, Emmanuelle Haïm/Le Concert d`Astrée/European Voices, Emmanuelle Haïm
Monteverdi: L'Orfeo, favola in musica, SV 318, Act 2: Sinfonia - "Ecco pur ch'a voi ritorno" (Orfeo)Claudio Monteverdi, Emmanuelle Haïm/Le Concert d`Astrée/Ian Bostridge, Emmanuelle Haïm
Monteverdi: L'Orfeo, favola in musica, SV 318, Act 2: Ritornello - "Mira, ch'a sé n'alletta" (Pastore III) - "Su quelle erbose sponde" (Pastore II)Claudio Monteverdi, Emmanuelle Haïm/Le Concert d`Astrée/Christopher Maltman/Pascal Bertin/Paul Agnew/Richard Burkhard, Emmanuelle Haïm
Monteverdi: L'Orfeo, favola in musica, SV 318, Act 2: Ritornello - "In questo prato adorno" (Pastori II, III)Claudio Monteverdi, Emmanuelle Haïm/Le Concert d`Astrée/Christopher Maltman/Pascal Bertin/Paul Agnew/Richard Burkhard, Emmanuelle Haïm
Monteverdi: L'Orfeo, favola in musica, SV 318, Act 2: "Mira, deh mira, Orfeo" (Pastori I, II, IV, Messaggiera, Orfeo)Claudio Monteverdi, Emmanuelle Haïm/Le Concert d`Astrée/Christopher Maltman/Pascal Bertin/Paul Agnew/Richard Burkhard, Emmanuelle Haïm
Monteverdi: L'Orfeo, favola in musica, SV 318, Act 2: "In un fiorito prato" (Messagiera, Pastori II, III)Claudio Monteverdi, Alice Coote/Emmanuelle Haïm/Le Concert d`Astrée, Emmanuelle Haïm
Monteverdi: L'Orfeo, favola in musica, SV 318, Act 3: "Non viv'io no, che poi di vita è priva" (Orfeo)Claudio Monteverdi, Ian Bostridge/Emmanuelle Haïm/Le Concert d`Astrée, Emmanuelle Haïm
Monteverdi: L'Orfeo, favola in musica, SV 318, Act 3: "A lei volt'ho il cammin" (Orfeo)Claudio Monteverdi, Ian Bostridge/Emmanuelle Haïm/Le Concert d`Astrée, Emmanuelle Haïm
Monteverdi: L'Orfeo, favola in musica, SV 318, Act 3: "Orfeo, son io che d'Euridice i passi" (Orfeo)Claudio Monteverdi, Ian Bostridge/Emmanuelle Haïm/Le Concert d`Astrée, Emmanuelle Haïm
Claudio Monteverdi, the Italian maestro, stands as a titan in the world of classical music, bridging the gap between the Renaissance and Baroque eras with unparalleled finesse. As a composer, choirmaster, and string player, Monteverdi's genius spans both sacred and secular realms, but it is his pioneering work in opera that truly sets him apart. His compositions are not just music; they are emotional journeys that continue to captivate audiences centuries later. Monteverdi's innovative approach to harmony and expression laid the groundwork for the Baroque period, making him an indispensable figure in the evolution of Western music.