Relayed from The National Museum of Wales

National Orchestra of Wales
(Cerddorfa Genedlaethol Cymru)

Although Gluck was a German, and in many ways a typical German, he spent a great part of his life in Paris, identifying himself closely with the national spirit. He acted for a time as singing master to Maria Antoinette, and had the advantage of her patronage as well as that of other influential people. But his work itself was striking and valuable enough to make its own way; it marks, indeed, an important milestone in the history of Opera.
Mottl, whose name appears here in conjunction with Gluck's, was, of course, the distinguished conductor, who did so much good work in rescuing from oblivion fine music of the old school which was in danger of being forgotten.
The Suite is in four movements, and not only are Gluck's great operas. Orpheus, Iphigenia in Aulis, and Armide, drawn upon, but an early Ballet called Don Juan. The first, an Introduction, has contrasting quick and slow melodies, and the second is called 'The Dance of the Blessed Spirits.' The third is a Musette, with the usual drone in the bass, and the last makes use of two bright airs, the second in an old dance form.
(to 14.00)