Achilles. An Opera - Gay, John 1685-1732; Wild (London Bell, 1777)
The opera is a burlesque parody of the story of Achilles on Skyros, based on legends of Achilles as related by Bion, Ovid, and Statius (notably the latter's Achilleid). Unsuccessful attempts were made at the time to interpret the work as a political satire (as was Gay's The Beggar's Opera) but no convincing case has been made for this. Unlike The Beggar's Opera and Gay's other ballad opera, Polly, Achilles uses not only tunes from popular music, but also employs melodies from concertante works of Arcangelo Corelli. Achilles proved popular; the opera ran for over a month after its premiere on 10 February 1733.
plate next to frontispiece containing an illustration of 'Mr. Mattocks in the Character of Achilles'
Originally published in 1733
As written by John Gay. Distinguished also the variations of the theatre, as performed, in two acts, at the Theatre Royal in Covent Garden, Regulated from the Prompt-Book, by Permission of the Managers, by Mr. Wild, prompter
Keywords: 18th Century (1701-1800); Libretto; Ballad opera; Satire; London (United Kingdom)