Two CD set: Orpheus and Euridice Awarded the Gramophone award in 2002, Orpheus and Euridice is a recording of Hadyn's last opera. It is an opera seria relating the tragic Greek myth. The opera was never performed in Haydn'd lifetime.
The myth in a nutshell goes as follows. Eurydice, a nymph, is in despair as she contemplates her forthcoming marriage to Arideus. She is ready to die, but Orpheus saves her life by playing his harp and singing. Eurydice’s father, Creon, agrees to let her to marry Orpheus. When Eurydice is bitten by a snake and dies, Orpheus is inconsolable. He consults the Sibyl, who takes him to the underworld to search for her. Pluto allows Orpheus to search for Eurydice in the Elysian fields, but Orpheus is warned not to look at his wife. He cannot resist glancing at her, and loses her for a second time. As he grieves, the Bacchantes offer him a cup of poison; he drinks it and dies. The river Lethe rises up in anger . When the storm gradually dies down the remains of Orfpheus are carried away by the waters, to find rest on the Isle of Lesbos.
The musical highlights of the CD include Orpheus calming the savages, first by playing his harp then by singing of his love for Eurydice (Cara speme). The lovers sing a duet of the joy that fills their hearts (Come il foco allo splendore) nothing can destroy their love (Né la sorte, né la morte). Euridice’s death aria in the second act is an incredibly slow recitative (Del mio core il voto estremo). . The opera ends with a shattering D minor chorus which dwindles away to nothing except a lonely timpani roll (Andiamo, amiche, andiamo).
Composer: Franz Joseph Haydn Joseph Haydn was born in Rohrau, Austria on 31 March 1732 and died in Vienna on 31 May 1809.
He composed 24 operas, of which Orpheus and Eurodice was the last, although never gained notarity for this genre. Haydn is probably better known for his introduction and development of the genre of string quartets.
Conductor: Christopher Hogwood Christopher Hogwood founded the Academy of Ancient music in 1973 and conducts repertoire ranging from the baroque to contemporary.
Performers: Cecilia Bartoli: Euridice & Genio Uwe Heilmann: Orfeo Ildebrando D’Arcangelo: Creonte Andrea Silvestrelli: Pluto Roberto Scaltriti: Corista I Jose Fardilha: Corista II Colin Campbell: Corista III James Oxley: Corista IV Angela Kazimierczuk: Baccante Orchestra: Academy of Ancient Music
Label: L'Oiseau-Lyre
Released: March 1, 1997
Price: Approximately £25.99
My personal View The Academy of Ancient Music plays using the orignal instruments giving a great insight into how Haydn himself intended the opera. Always a bonus!!!!!
Haydn's music is lyrical and memorable. The sort of music you will hum for days afterwards.
The opera contains a good mix of recitatives, duets and choruses. My particular favorite is the duet between Orpheus and Eurodice , you can listen to both voices for hours. The closing chorus is so emotional fading to nothing as Orpheus is carried away (one of those moments when opera can actually bring a tear to your eye).
I realise Opera is not everyone's taste but everyone should experience it at least once.
More details
How does it compare to the artist's other releases
Good
How does it rate alongside the competition
Good
Cover / Inlay Design and Content
Good
Evaluate this review
How helpful would this review be to someone making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
This product has not yet been reviewed. 
