The opera is said to be appeared in 1607, at least in the vision we have of it today. This favola in musica is composed of a prologue and five acts. It was created to the ducal palace in Mantoue on February 24, 1607, for the carnival. Despite a previous model (“Euridice” was written by Jacopo Peri for Henri IV of France and Marie de’ Medici’s wedding), this song can be said as being the first opera of Music History. There are instrumental ritornellos alternating with choirs. Choirs are intertwined with duet and trios. These are the characteristics of the new recitative style which corresponds to the research for personal feeling instead of the madrigal which represent the old Polyphony of Renaissance. Four centuries after, we suggest you the modern version with all choirs and main instrumental intermezzi; which would be like our testimony of that music still contemporary. The first three choirs are available in booklets. Jacques Barbier made the reproduction and Christian Gouinguené made the reproduction of basso continuo.
