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Alceste
75'
Italian, French
Synopsis
King Admetus is dying, and the gods decree that only the sacrifice of a life can save him. His devoted wife, Alcestis, volunteers to die in his place. Just as she is about to enter the underworld, Hercules arrives. A close friend of Admetus, he is moved by the queen’s devotion and the king's despair. Descending into the underworld, Hercules battles the infernal deities, rescues Alcestis, and restores her to her husband.
Composer
Christoph Willibald Gluck (1714-1787)
Lyricist / Librettist / Playwright
Ranieri de' Calzabigi (for the Italian version, 1762)
Year of composition/publication / premiere
1767
Genre
Opera
LGBTQAI+ category
Bisexual, Queer
Level of centrality
Main character
Characters
Hercules
Voice type
Bass
Pronouns
he/him
Publisher / Rights holder
Bärenreiter (Urtext edition of the 1767 Vienna version)
Where to buy / access the work
The score is available for purchase from Bärenreiter's website and major sheet music retailers.
Performance rights
For performance rights, please contact the composer and/or publisher to ensure legal compliance.
Official website
Audio recording(s)
Video performance(s)
Keywords
Reform opera, Greek mythology, heroism, sacrifice, friendship, queer history, bisexual