Why Did Orpheus Turn Around?

Preparing a guest lecture I had been invited to give at NYU's Gallatin School in which I used two baroque arias (Händel's Lascia Ch'io Pianga and Porpora's Alto Giove) to illustrate elements from Boethius's book, The Consolation of Philosophy, I stumbled over a passage that made me rethink the meaning of the story of Orpheus and Eurydice. Here's what I came up with. It relates to the art of performing in an uncanny way.

[@Violinnovate]

About a week ago, I made a video about the story of Orpheus and Eurydice for some of my students who are learning the violin piece 'melodie' originally composed by Gluck (taken from his opera Orfeo ed Euridice). In it, I mentioned that in a recent French movie 'Portrait of a Lady on Fire', the two main characters offered a different explanation to why Orpheus looked back- it could be a conscious choice to keep Eurydice forever embedded in his memory and art, a realization that pure perfection could only exist in someone's imagination, and not in reality. Through the power of KZbin algorithm, your video was recommended on my feed and your explanation offers a new perspective that I've not heard of before. It's also an inspiring message for artists and musicians so I will definitely share it with my students. Thank you!

[@isengart]

Thank you so much! Yes, I also heard of this other theory which seems quite established by now. I am glad that you find that my own take on tragedy adds a valuable alternative.

[@DHigable]

Because he realized at that moment that a life full of solitude and tranquility was a much better choice than a life with a nagging, ungrateful woman. You’re Welcome.

[@user-yf3kb4hq3q]

Wow that was sad to read. I hope you’re better now.