Gluck: Armide

Composer: Christoph Willibald Gluck (1714-1787) Format: Vocal Score Instrumentation: Opera Work: Armide, Wq. 45 Binding: Paperback Work Languages: French, German ISMN: 9790006558742 Size: 7.5 x 10.6 inches Pages: 388 Urtext / Critical Edition Description Replaces BA02302-90 The episode about Armida from Torquato Tasso's epic poem "La Gerusalemme liberata" (1575) has been one of the most popular opera subjects since the 17th century, inspiring numerous composers including Lully, Haydn, Rossini and Dvořák to set it to music. Gluck's "Armide", which was successfully premiered in Paris in 1777, is the third opera the composer wrote for the Académie Royale de Musique. The beautiful sorceress Armide holds the crusader Renaud captive on her island. After the brave hero is initially unimpressed by Armide's charms, the two eventually fall in love. Only when Renaud is reminded by the other knights of his crusading vows does he abandon the desperate Armide, whereupon she curses the faithless one, destroys her enchanted castle and vanishes on a winged chariot. Intimate monologues alternate with large choral and ballet scenes. The characterisation of the individuals is musically finely differentiated. in stark contrast to the pastoral moments are the sudden dramatic entries of the supernatural, for example the appearance of personified hatred and the spirits from hell. Contents: Ensemble Vorwort Préface Preface Index of scenes and numbers Overture First Act Second Act Third Act Fourth Act Fifth Act