By Gluck
Gluck’s neglected masterpiece
about the power of unrequited love
University Opera Theatre and the University Philharmonia Orchestra
Sung in French with projected English translations.
Mendelssohn Theatre
March 25 - 28, 2010
Overview
The Story: Set during the Crusades, a beautiful pagan enchantress named Armide is determined to ensnare the enemy leader, Renaud, who is the only knight who has been able to resist her charms. She finally succeeds in ensnaring Renaud only to fall in love while trying to kill him. Whisking him away, Armide casts a spell to make him love her while she grapples to understand her torn emotions. Sorcery, passion, and hatred ensue as Armide struggles to hang on to her beloved amid the war.
Artistic Significance: Composed in 1777, Armide is based on an episode in Torquato Tasso’s epic poem Jerusalem Delivered. Gluck caused a minor scandal when he lifted the libretto straight from Lully’s celebrated opera of the same name, which was universally considered the perfect expression of French operatic tradition at the time. Armide’s score is filled with sensuous, lyrical music of great eloquence. Don’t miss this rarely performed gem.
Cast
