- Bacchus (opera)
Bacchus is an
opera in four acts byJules Massenet to a Frenchlibretto byCatulle Mendès afterGreek mythology . It was first performed at thePalais Garnier inParis onMay 5 ,1909 .The story is based on the mythology surrounding Bacchus and
Ariadne (Ariane). The Gods, among them demi-god Bacchus, appear in human form in ancient India to attempt to persuade the people away from the pervading Buddhist influence. Ariane has followed them, convinced that Bacchus is in fact Theseus, her unrequited love. In the end, Ariane sacrifices herself to save humanity and in doing so, Bacchus becomes a God.Although not a proper sequel, as Ariane dies in both pieces, "Bacchus" is a companion to Massenet's earlier opera, "Ariane". Of Massenet's twenty-five operas, "Bacchus" is probably the least known, without a modern performance history or single modern recording of even an excerpt.
References
* [http://www.bobsuniverse.com/BWJM/Works/operas/20Bacchus/Bacchus.htm "Bacchus" at Bob's Universe]
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