L’Orfeo

Description

Opera by Claudio Monteverdi Favola in Musica in one prologue and five acts
Libretto by Alessandro Striggio
In Italian with German surtitles Orfeo is the first pop star of the Western world. Surrounded by people and animals, his singing makes even stones weep. When he wins Euridice, the happiness of the perfect glamour couple seems complete – and the fanbase goes wild at the news of the dream wedding. But in the midst of the pompous wedding celebrations, fate strikes: Euridice dies from a snake bite. Unable to accept the finiteness of life, the star ventures into the realm of the dead. He manages to lull the ferryman Charon and charm Proserpina, but ruler Pluto sets a fateful condition: On the way back, Orfeo must not look back at his beloved. The myth dictates it – Orfeo fails himself and loses Euridice forever. The Favola in Musica, premiered in 1607 at the ducal palace of Mantua, is considered the birth of opera. Although there were experimental attempts before, it was only Monteverdi who succeeded in filling the declamatory sung drama with a profound representation of human affections – a musical historical event that radiated far beyond Italy. Monteverdi's masterpiece is a timeless parable about the power and impotence of music as well as human hubris in the face of mortality. In this co-production with the Theater Winterthur, director Thomas Guglielmetti translates the ancient material into a modern fairy tale. Against the backdrop of a colorful pop world, he presents a hero who, despite fame and wealth, fails to the relentless laws of life. The musical direction is in the hands of conductor and lutenist Wolfgang Katschner. As an expert in historically informed performance practice, he, together with outstanding soloists and the Lautten Compagney Berlin, brings the colorful score to life. The award-winning ensemble plays on historical instruments, making Monteverdi's masterpiece an immediate, highly emotional experience. "Full of harmony and a great production: With Monteverdi's L’Orfeo, a collaboration between the Lautten Compagney Berlin and the Theater Winterthur was experienced, which left nothing to be desired and also proved how fresh and modern a Baroque opera can be. (...) With thunderous applause, all those involved were rewarded for their performances."
Fuldaer Zeitung, 04/26 Musical direction: Wolfgang Katschner
Direction: Thomas Guglielmetti
Stage: Theres Indermaur
Costumes: Ralph Zegner
Choreography: Pietro Cono Genova Additional information:
Introduction to the piece: 7:00 PM in the Small Hall