2: The First Great Triumph
Gluck's Orpheus and Eurydice was the first expression of the more naturalistic opera to which he aspired. Written in Italian for Vienna, he later adapted it in French forthe audience in Paris. Donald Macleod
presents excerpts from classic recordings of both the Italian and the French versions. Janet Baker stars as the Italian Orfeo with Elisabeth Speiser as Euridice, conducted by Raymond Leppard ; and Leopold Simoneau takes the role of Orphee in French with Suzanne Danco as Eurydice, conducted by Has Rosbaud .