Orphée aux Enfers - Salzburger Festspiele 2019
Offenbach’s mockery of bourgeois ideals, the sublimity of music and the institution of marriage ensures that the moralistic sermonizing of ‘Public Opinion’ falls on deaf ears. The mysterious figure of John Styx tells the story of behind-the-times Orpheus and his hacked-off Eurydice, of gods and goddesses seeking diversion, jaded with humdrum life in Olympus. He tells of the rebellion in the pantheon, which Jupiter adeptly averts by promising an amusement for his entourage. Burning with curiosity to see the beauteous captive and the contest between Jupiter and Pluto for Eurydice’s favour, the illustrious company embarks on an infernal ride to the underworld that culminates in what is surely the most wellknown can-can in the history of music. And what of Eurydice? She ends up putting a spoke in everyone’s wheel…
Insights
Plot Summary
This production of Offenbach's "Orpheus in the Underworld" reimagines the classic myth within a contemporary setting, exploring themes of boredom, societal expectations, and the desire for escape. Orpheus, a violinist, and Eurydice, his wife, are deeply unhappy in their marriage, leading them to seek solace and adventure elsewhere. Their escapades, including a descent into Hades, highlight the absurdity and superficiality of both the mortal and mythological realms, culminating in a riotous can-can that exposes the chaos beneath order.
Critical Reception
The 2019 Salzburg Festival production of "Orphée aux Enfers" received generally positive reviews, with many critics praising the innovative staging and the energetic performances. Some reviewers found the contemporary interpretation to be thought-provoking, while others debated its effectiveness compared to more traditional stagings. The vocal performances and the spirited conducting were frequently cited as highlights.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its visually striking and conceptually bold modern interpretation.
- Lauded for the vibrant energy of the cast and the infectious tempo of the music.
- Some debate on whether the directorial choices fully served the operetta's comedic spirit.
Google audience: Audience reactions often focused on the playful and audacious nature of the production. Many appreciated the fresh take on the familiar story and the high-caliber musical execution.
Fun Fact
The iconic 'Can-Can' music from this operetta, often referred to as the 'Galop infernal', became so popular that it overshadowed the rest of the work for many years and is now a staple of popular culture.
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