Gluck Opera Alceste
Christoph Willibald Gluck’s Opera Seria in 3 Acts, Alcestis
Alceste (Alcestis) by Christoph Willibald von Gluck: plot summary, character list, and other C.W. Gluck opera information.
Alceste, an Opera Seria (Drama) in three acts by composer: Christoph Willibald Gluck (1714-1787).
- First Performance: Burgtheater, Vienna, December 26, 1767. Revised version in Paris, April 23, 1776.
- Languages: Italian version (original), French Version (revised)
- Libretto: Ranieri di Calzabigi, revised by the Marquis G. Le B. Du Rollet. Based on the libretto by Philippe Quinault.
- Setting: Thessaly
Gluck introduced this opera with a famous preface in which he called for a balanced blend of music and poetry, his ideal of a classical "beautiful simplicity.
Cast of Characters
- Admetus (Admete), (Tenor)
- Alceste, (Soprano)
- High Priest of Apollon, (Baritone)
- Hercules (Hercule), (Baritone)
- Evander (Évandre), (Tenor)
- Thanatos, (God of the Underworld) (Baritone)
- Apollo (Apollon), (Baritone)
- Herald, (Baritone)
Plot Summary / Synopsis
Act I
A square at the palace. The people lament the illness of their dying king Admetus, whom the Herald tells is near death. Queen Alceste comes out with her children. She prays for the condition of her dying husband. The people are deeply moved. She asks them to follow her to the temple to offer sacrifice. The scene starts in chorus.
In the temple of Apollo after an orchestral overture. The people assemble. The High Priest of Apollon prays for the king's recovery. Alceste enters and adds her own prayer. They wait in silence for the Oracle. The message is that the King will die that day unless another can be sacrificed in his place. The crowd gives up and leave. Alone with the High Priest, Alceste resolves on death. To save Admetus, she asks to be sacrificed. In a famous aria, she passionately sings.
Act II
In the palace hall. There was rejoicing as everyone celebrates the recovery of Admetus. Evander tells him how he was saved but not by whom. Alceste enters but cannot hide her grief. She assures Admetus that she loves him and eventually admits she is the unknown sacrifice on his behalf. Admetus is determined to prevent his wife's sacrifice. Alceste is left alone with the grieving chorus who laments their unhappy fate.
Act III
In the forecourt of the palace. As the people mourn the fate of their king and queen, Hercules, Admetus's friend arrives, rejoicing at the completion of his labours. Learning the sad news from Evander, he vows to save the queen.
At the gates of Hades. Alceste struggles through the horrors of the scene and pleads with a chorus of unseen spirits for quick entry. Admetus begs to be allowed to die with Alceste or in place of her. But Alceste has made up her mind and the argument is carried into a duet. Their singing is interrupted by the voice of Thanatos, the god of the Underworld, who now calls for one of them to offer the sacrifice. Hercules arrives. He and Admetus struggle with the infernal powers. Apollo appears, confers immortality on Hercules and restores both Admetus and Alceste to life.
At the forecourt of the palace, Apollo bids the people happiness. Hercules, Admetus, and Alceste sing a trio of thanksgiving, joined by the people in a joyful chorus.
Gluck's Other Operas
- Armide
- Iphigénie en Aulide (Iphigenia in Aulis)
- Iphigénie en Tauride (Iphigenia in Tauris)
- Orfeo ed Euridice (Orfeo and Euridice)
Sources:
The Da Capo Opera Manual by Nicholas Martin (1997)
The Harrap Opera Guide by Sir Alexander Morley (1970)
