Melodie (Gluck/Sgambati)

Recorded live in concert at Steinway Hall, London on October 25, 2012 Nina Leo - piano Christoph Gluck (1714-1787) - Melodie from Orfeo ed Euridice "Dance of the Blessed Spirits" Gluck&Melodie, Dance of the Blessed Spirits from "Orfeo ed Euridice", is one of the most exquisite melodies in the entire opera and was transcribed for piano by Giovanni Sgambati (1841-1914). The opera is based on the myth of Orpheus, wherein he attempts to retrieve his dead wife from the underworld and, overcome with grief, plays such sad and mournful songs that the nymphs and gods weep, allowing Euridice to return with him on the condition that he does not look upon her directly until they reach the upper world. In his anxiety, Orpheus turns to look upon Euridice before they reach the upper world and she vanishes for the second time, this time forever.