  Orfeo just learned of the death of Eurydice and sings "you are dead."  The setting is a dry recitative.  Only organ and a bass lute accompany this freely constructed melodic line.  The irregularity of phrasing suggests speech, not singing.  Here, the text is supreme.  
      This recitative is followed by a chorus.  The chorus is a release of expression and emotion in response and contrast to the recitative.  The wedding of contrasting declamation and melody is the fundamental element in developing dramatic flow in operas. 
