Orpheus and Eurydice

ACT ONE
Orphée and the community mourn the sudden death of Eurydice. They perform rituals to remember and honor their deceased friend. Orphée wishes to mourn by himself so his companions leave him. He appeals to nature for solace, to no avail. He cries out to the gods pleading for the chance to take her back from their clutches. Amour, the goddess of love, tells Orphée that the gods were moved by his despair and will allow him to reclaim his wife with the condition that he does not look at her or speak to her until they return (aria: “Soumis au silence”). Conquering his fear, Orphée steels himself for the journey (aria: “L’espoir renaît dans mon âme”).

ACT TWO
Hades
Orphée has descended into the underworld where the Furies attempt to stop him from continuing on his journey. He sings of his pain and pleads to them for mercy. At first, the Furies refuse, but when Orphée repeats his tender requests, they recede and allow him to continue.

Elysian Fields
Orphée reaches a meadow where spirits live in perfect harmony amidst sublime beauty. He takes delight in the peaceful scene but declares that only the sight of Eurydice can ease his grief (aria: “Quel nouveau ciel”). The spirits bring in Eurydice, and she and Orphée begin the journey back to the upper world.

ACT THREE
The Journey Back
Orphée leads Eurydice back to the upper world. She becomes suspicious when he will not look at her (duet: “Viens, suis un époux”). He exhorts his wife to have faith and continue their ascent, but when she seems to give up, Orphée defies the gods’ command and looks at Eurydice. She dies again, and Orphée, feeling responsible for her second death, gives vent to his feelings in the aria “J’ai perdu mon Eurydice.” He is about to take his own life when Amour appears and tells him his fidelity has earned him a happy outcome. She restores Eurydice to life.

A Celebration of Life
Friends gather to celebrate the return of the happy couple, and they exalt the power of love and life