L'orfeo (sv. 318): toccata by claudio monteverdi italian composer claudio monteverdi completed this ‘favola in musica’ (fairy-tale in music) in 1607. it is an early example of what would later become the format of music called ‘opera’. the work would receive its premiere performance in 1607 during the carnival season in mantua, italy. the narrative of this composition is based on the on the greek legend of orpheus and his descent into hades in order to return with his deceased wife eurydice. prior to the late 1590’s, music with a dramatic narrative was performed in a specific format, with the actors providing a standard dramatic play in acts, with music being performed in between the acts. l’orfeo is an early example of music being heard during the entirety of the performance like in a standard opera. the toccata is the first movement to be performed during l’orfeo and is an entirely instrumental section.