Gluck's masterpiece, which took Paris by storm in 1774, revolves around the cruel dilemma of Agamemnon, who is ordered by the gods to sacrifice his only daughter, the innocent Iphigenie. She is torn between acceptance of her fate and her love forthe hero Achille. Presented by Donald Macleod , who also talks to members of the cast and to the director, ChristofLoy.
Glyndebourne Chorus, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, conductor Ivor Botton Parti
8.45 Twenty Minutes: Sacrifice
Philosopher AC Grayling explores the role played by the idea of sacrifice in myth, religion and life: from literal sacrifice to its metaphorical place in views about value and what is ultimately worthwhile.
9.05 Part 2