Music introduces the subject of this dramatic story (Dal mio Parnasso amato") and summons the cheering power of sounds, which - as happened to Orfeo with his song - halted the forces of nature.
Act I
Orfeo and Euridice are about to celebrate their marriage. Gathered around them are nymphs and shepherds ("In questo lieto e fortunato giorno") to rejoice with propitiatory singing ("Vieni, Imeneo, deh vieni") and dancing ("Lasciate i monti, lasciate i fonti"). Orfeo sings to the stars, as witnesses to his happiness ("Rosa del ciel, vita del mondo e degna") and is joined by Euridice. As they all move towards the temple, the chorus exhorts them never to succumb to discouragement ("Alcun non sia che disperato in preda").
Act II
Orfeo returns to his woods and fields ("Ecco pur ch'a voi ritorno"). While the shepherds accompany him with cheerful songs ("In questo prato adorno"), Orfeo basks in his own happiness ("Vi ricorda, o Boschi ombrosi"). But suddenly, cries of grief are heard from the Messenger Silvia ("Ahi caso acerbo"), announcing a dreadful accident: Euridice was bitten by a snake while picking flowers, and died in the arms of her companions. Beside himself, Orfeo expresses his intention to descend into Hades to recover his wife ("Tu se' morta, mia vita, ed io respiro?"). The chorus bemoans their sad fate ("Ahi, caso acerbo, ahi fato empio e crudele!").
Act III
Orfeo, guided by Hope, has reached the entrance to the Underworld ("Ecco l'atra palude, ecco il nocchiero"). Alone here, he meets Caronte, ferryman to the souls of the dead. Caronte however bars his way ("Oh tu ch'innanzi morte a queste rive"). Orfeo endeavours to move him to pity ("Possente spirto e formidabil nume"). But on seeing that his efforts are to no avail, he lulls the stern guardian to sleep by singing a song to his own accompaniment on the lyre ("Ahi, sventurato amante"). Orfeo then sails the boat over the Styx, while the chorus of infernal spirits comments in amazement on his extraordinary and courageous action ("Nulla impresa per uom si tenta in vano").
Act IV
Proserpina is moved by Orfeo's heartrending cries as he wanders through the infernal regions, and intercedes in his favour with her husband Plutone, begging him to restore Euridice to this wretched young widower. Plutone consents, but on one condition: that Orfeo shall never look back at Euridice before leaving the kingdom of the dead. Orfeo gives vent to his joy ("Quale onor di te fia degno"). But then, on his way back he is seized by a doubt that Euridice may not really be following him ("Ma mentre io canto, ohimé, chi m'assicura"). And so he turns to glance at his bride, thus infringing Plutone's strict prohibition and irremediably losing her ("Dove te ‘n vai, mia vita?"). The chorus of spirits comments on the fact that Orfeo, though defeating the forces of nature, has failed to conquer his own will ("È la virtute un raggio").
Act V
Back among the living, Orfeo bitterly mourns his fate ("Questi I campi di Tracia e quest'è il loco"), while vowing forever to renounce love and the art of music. Apollo listens to his lament and, moved to pity, descends from the heavens to take the unhappy man back with him ("Saliam cantando al cielo"), granting him immortality. Among the stars, Orfeo will be able to contemplate Euridice's face. The chorus ("Vanne, Orfeo, Felice appieno") observes that sorrow on earth can be offset by happiness in heaven. |
