Synopsis of Orpheus in the Underworld
- Creators: Music by Jacques Offenbach, libretto by Hector Crémieux and Ludovic Halévy.
- Setting: Ancient Greece, specifically Thebes and the Underworld.
- Plot Overview:
This operetta is a humorous and satirical take on the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. In Offenbach’s version, Orpheus and Eurydice are a famously bickering and unhappy married couple. Eurydice, tired of Orpheus’s constant violin playing and their dull life, is abducted by Pluto, the god of the Underworld, who is infatuated with her. Orpheus, surprisingly unconcerned about losing his wife (he’s more annoyed that his music is being interrupted), is persuaded by Public Opinion (a character in the opera) to venture into the Underworld to rescue Eurydice.In the Underworld, Orpheus encounters various mythological figures and gods, including Jupiter. The climax of the opera is the famous “Galop infernal,” commonly known as the “Can-can,” which takes place at the feast in Hades.The opera is a parody of the original myth, poking fun at the gods and heroes of Greek mythology, and is filled with witty dialogue and lively, memorable music. - Themes: Satire of mythology, marital discord, the afterlife, and the power of music (or lack thereof, in Orpheus‘s case).
- Genre: Operetta (often classified as opera-bouffe).
- Notable Music: The “Galop infernal” (Can-can) is by far the most famous piece from the operetta.
“Orpheus in the Underworld” is celebrated for its comedic approach to a classic myth, its witty social commentary, and its infectious, high-spirited music.