Gluck: Alceste

Album Description

Experience the timeless masterpiece "Alceste" by Christoph Willibald Gluck, a seminal work in the world of classical opera. This album, released in 2016 by Orfeo, presents a stunning collection of excerpts from Gluck's opera, sung in French, and performed by an ensemble of renowned artists. With a duration of 2 hours and 31 minutes, this recording offers a comprehensive journey through one of Gluck's most celebrated compositions.

"Alceste" is based on the ancient Greek tragedy "Alcestis" by Euripides and was originally premiered in 1767. This particular recording features the 1776 French version, which Gluck significantly revised, both in terms of the libretto and the musical score. The opera tells the poignant story of Alceste, the Queen of Thessaly, who sacrifices herself to save her husband, King Admete. The narrative is brought to life through a series of powerful arias and ensembles, showcasing Gluck's innovative approach to opera seria.

The album includes a rich tapestry of vocal and orchestral performances, featuring notable artists such as Roland Bracht, Robert Gambill, Nicolai Gedda, Tom Krause, and Peter Lika, among others. The Royal Opera House Orchestra and Chorus, conducted by Charles Mackerras, provide a robust and nuanced accompaniment, highlighting the dramatic depth and musical richness of Gluck's score.

This recording is a testament to Gluck's enduring influence on opera, blending classical elegance with dramatic intensity. Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Gluck: Alceste" offers a captivating exploration of one of the most significant works in operatic history.

1 jan 2016

2016 Orfeo

About Christoph Willibald Gluck

Christoph Willibald Gluck, a pioneering figure in the world of opera, bridged the gap between the Baroque and Classical eras with his innovative and dramatic compositions. Born in the Upper Palatinate and raised in Bohemia, Gluck's journey took him from the courts of Europe to the stages of Italy and France, where he revolutionized operatic practices. His groundbreaking works, such as "Orfeo ed Euridice" and "Alceste," broke away from the dominant opera seria style, introducing more dramatic storytelling and orchestral depth. Gluck's reforms, which included the use of orchestral recitative and the reduction of lengthy da capo arias, laid the foundation for the future of opera, influencing composers like Mozart and Berlioz. With a career spanning nearly five decades and a catalog of 49 operas, Gluck's legacy as a trailblazer in the world of classical music is undeniable.