Gluck, Alceste (Paris version 1776) [Bar:BA5848-90]

Gluck, Christoph Willibald
Alceste
Tragédie-opéra in three acts
Paris version 1776
- Revised and newly engraved Urtext edition based on the Gluck Complete Edition
- French libretto with singable German translation
- Preface (Ger/Eng/Fr)
- Idiomatic, uncluttered piano reduction
Edition no.
BA05848-90
ISMN
9790006558766
Detailed product information
Volume / Series
BÄRENREITER URTEXT
Editor
Gerber, Rudolf
Arranger
Vogt, Hans
Instrumentation of the work
Soloists, Choir, Orchestra
Orchestral scoring
2,2,2,2 - 4,2,3,0 - Pk - Str
Language(s) of work
French, German
Language(s) of text
German, English, French
Product format
Vocal Score, Urtext edition
Comments
Replaces BA 2291-90
Binding
Paperback
Pages / Format
XVIII, 278 S. - 27,0 x 19,0 cm

In 1774 Gluck had committed himself to supplying six stage works to the Academie Royale de Musique in Paris. This job he fulfilled partially by reworking works which had already been premiered in Vienna.
In the case of the Paris Alceste (1776), which Gluck had also originally composed for Vienna (1767), the composer created a completely new version which was to become the prototype of the so-called reform opera. The libretto was translated from the former Italian into French and was altered at the same time, but also the music was fundamentally changed: Gluck newly composed the recitatives and rearranged, enlarged or cut scenes.
The initial rejection of the work by the audience caused him to further alter the third act, for example by adding the character of Hercules as Alceste's saviour. In this form the opera finally became a big success.