medallion-picture, she is surprised by Wandrup, who recognizes in it
his own dead love. "She is thy mother too Ingrid", he cries out. "My
mother, she, and Erhard my brother!"--This is too much for Ingrid; with
an incoherent cry she rushes on the bridge intending to throw herself
over. But Wandrup beseechingly stretches out his arms, crying "Ingrid,
stay, live for thy father". At first the unhappy girl shrinks back,
but seeing the old man's yearning love she sinks on her knees, then
slowly rising, she returns to her father, who folds her in loving
embrace.
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IPHIGENIA IN AULIS.
Grand Opera in three acts by GLUCK.
Text of the original rearranged by R. WAGNER.
This opera, though it does not stand from the point of view of the
artist on the same level with Iphigenia in Tauris, deserves
nevertheless to be represented on every good stage. It may be called
the first part of the tragedy, and Iphigenia in Tauris very beautifully
completes it. The music is sure to be highly relished by a cultivated
hearer, characterized as it is by a simplicity which often rises into
grandeur and nobility of utterance.
The first scene represents Agamemnon rent by a conflict between his
duty and his fatherly love; the former of which demands the sacrifice
of his daughter, for only then will a favorable wind conduct the Greeks
safely to Ilion. Kalchas, the High-priest of Artemis, appears to
announce her dreadful sentence. Alone with the King, Kalchas vainly
tries to induce the unhappy father to consent to the sacrifice.
Meanwhile Iphigenia, who has not received Agamemnon's message, which
ought to have prevented her undertaking the fatal journey, arrives with
her mother Klytemnestra. They are received with joy by the people.
Agamemnon secretly informs his spouse, that Achilles, Iphigenia's
betrothed, has proved unworthy of her, and that she is to return to
Argos at once.--Iphigenia gives way to her feelings. Achilles appears,
the lovers are soon reconciled and prepare to celebrate their nuptials.
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In the second act Iphigenia is adorned for her wedding and Achilles
comes to lead her to the altar, when Arkas, Agamemnon's messenger,
informs them that death awaits Iphigenia.
Klytemnestra in despair appeals to Achilles and the bridegroom swears
to protect Iphigenia. She alone is resigned in the belief, that it is
her father's will that she should face this dreadful duty. Achilles
reproaches Agamemnon w
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