Watch Monteverdi, L'Orfeo - Sara Mingardo, Roberta Invernizzi, Rinaldo Alessandrini, Teatro alla Scala 2009

The mythological tale of Orpheus' adventure into the depths of Hades to retrieve his love, Euridice, is one of the most popular subjects in the world of grand opera. Not until Monteverdi, did this tale become fully explored on the large stages of Europe. This performance is particularly enchanting because it features native Italian singers, including highly-trained coloratura sopranos, singing the array of well-known recitatives. L'Orfeo has been performed for nearly six centuries, but this La Scala exhibition sets a new standard of operatic achievement.