Iphigénie en Tauride

One of Gluck's so-called "reform" operas. For decades leading up to this period, it was the singers (primarily the castrati) who ruled the opera world, and vocal showmanship overruled every other aspect of performance. Plots didn't matter, neither did characterization, and singers often made up their own vocal lines just to impress the audience. Gluck's operas went radically in a new direction: the music was simplified, plots were shortened and focused, and frequently drew on ancient Greek plays. Iphigenie is considered the prime example of how far Gluck went to bring sense and taste back to the art form.