The three Orfeos - Gabriel Garrido

Continuing the theme of Franco-Italian relationships initiated by Gabriel Garrido and the Ambronay Cultural Encounter Centre several years ago, this course looks the evolution of musical language at the dawn of opera, through the study of three Orfeos. The first is the original symbol of operatic expression and the high point of the union of the musical and theatrical arts, Monteverdi's famous ‘pastoral fable' Orfeo - we mark during this course the 400th anniversary of its premiere at Mantua. Stefano Landi's La morte d'Orfeo marked in 1619 the birth of Roman opera, and that of French opera occurred in Paris in 1647 with Luigi Rossi's Orfeo. These works lead us from the Renaissance into the Baroque, with the theatralisation of music and its evolution through the theory of affetti. Here then is Orfeo, at the beginning of a century rich in musical firsts, and in which myth and legend opened up the musical world to the expressivity of theatrical art. With these three Orfeos, it is the world of affetti which is revealed to us, the musical expression of emotion which aimed to recreate ‘a world where music can conquer the Underworld'.

Areas of studies

• Study of the evolution of musical language, and comparison of differing styles.

• Study of the communication of emotion and putting into practice the theory of affetti, where the physical expression of emotion allows a transformation of the musical material.
• Techniques for putting this into practice.

Repertoire

Arias from Orfeo by Monteverdi, Rossi et Landi. A more detailed list will be provided before the course.

Programme

Each day, participants will take part in individual lessons (singing, continuo, bowed bass) and ensemble work.

Teaching fee

250 euros (teaching fee and lunches)
220 euros for participants of the European Baroque Academy (2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007).
Accommodation can be provided in Ambronay (bedrooms of 4-6 beds): 135 euros (night, evening meals and breakfast). Fore more details.

Participant arrival: Monday, 16^th (evening) or Tuesday, 17^th (before 10 am)

Participant departure: Saturday, 21^st (evening) or Sunday, 22^nd (before noon).