Alceste

Christoph Willibald Gluck

Gluck was one of the first reformers in the history of opera when he tried, after a number of completely period-written works, in several so-called reform operas to create works devoid of stereotypes, conventional music and empty, unrelated arias, which were mainly to demonstrate the singing craftsmanship of the singers.

Stage JK Tyl Theatre
Premiere Saturday, 24 April 2021
Age Category For everyone

The Gluck’s first reformative opera, created in collaboration with librettist Ranier de Calzabigi (and also under the influence of the ballet reformer Noverro), is Orpheus and Eurydice from 1762. Their Alceste was created five years later and continued in this direction, in which libretto and music closely connected. The plot of the opera is based on an ancient legend about Alcestis, the wife of King Admet, who voluntarily went to her death instead of him. Heracles goes to the underworld to free her, which moves the god Apollo to release her.

We will present the opera in the original Italian version with Czech and German subtitles.

Premiere on 24 April 2021 at the Grand Theatre