L'Orfeo

opera by Claudio Monteverdi, with libretto by Alessandro Striggio

L'Orfeo is a three-act opera. The music was written by Claudio Monteverdi. The words were written by Alessandro Striggio. The opera is based on the myth of Orpheus, his descent to Hades and his attempt to bring his dead wife Eurydice back. It was first performed in February 1607. It is a transitional work between the music of the Renaissance and the music of the Baroque. It is one of the earliest operas that is still performed.