to whom it had been originally assigned.  In this form it was brought out at the Paris Academie, Aug. 2, 1774.  In 1859 it was revived in Paris, for which occasion Berlioz restored the original alto part for Mme. Viardot-Garcia.  With its performances in this country by the American Opera Troupe during the season of 1885-86, under the direction of Mr. Theodore Thomas, our readers are already familiar.  The three soloists during that season were Helene Hastreiter, Emma Juch, and Minnie Dilthey.

The story, except in its denouement, closely follows the antique legend.  After performing the funeral rites of Eurydice, Orpheus resolves to seek for her in the world of Shades, having received permission from Zeus upon condition that he will not look upon her until they have safely returned.  Orpheus descends to Hades; and though his way is barred by phantoms, his pleading appeals and the tender tones of his harp induce them to make way for him.  He finds Eurydice in the Elysian fields, and taking her by the hand leads her on to the upper world.  In a fatal moment he yields to her desire to see him, and she sinks back lifeless.  Love, however, comes to the rescue, and full of compassion restores her.  Thus the happy lovers are reunited; and the opera closes without the tragic denouement of the old myth.  In the American performances the opera was divided into four acts, which is the order we shall follow.

The short overture is characterized by a grandeur and solemnity that well befit the pathetic story.  The curtain rises upon a grotto containing the tomb of Eurydice, against which Orpheus mournfully leans, while upon its steps youths and maidens are strewing flowers as they chant the sombre song, “Ah! in our still and mournful Meadow.”  The sad wail of Orpheus upon the single word “Eurydice” is heard through its strains, which continually increase in solemnity.  At last, as if too much to bear, Orpheus interrupts their threnody with the words, “The Sounds of your Lament increase my bitter Anguish.”  The chorus in reply resumes its melancholy tribute to Eurydice and then retires, leaving Orpheus alone, who in a monologue full of pathos and sorrow ("My Eurydice! my Eurydice! lost forever"), sings his grief and implores the gods to restore his loved one.  In answer to his prayer, Amor, god of love, appears and announces that the gods have been moved to compassion; and if his song and lyre can appease the phantoms, death shall give back Eurydice upon the conditions already named.  The act closes with the joyful song of Orpheus:  “Will pitying Heaven with wondrous Favor restore mine own?”