Pygmalion (opera)

For the similarly named opera by Rameau, see Pigmalion (opera). For other works with a similar title, see Pygmalion.

Pygmalion is a monodrama in one act by composer Georg Benda with a German libretto by Friedrich Wilhelm Gotter. The opera's first performance was at the Ekhof Theater, the court theatre in Gotha, on September 20, 1779. Pygmalion was the fourth of the five theatrical collaborations of Benda and Gotter. Gotter based his text on Jean-Jacques Rousseau's 1762 play Pygmalion. Benda's melodrama is unusual as it has three characters but only one spoken role. Two of the parts are silently acted on stage.

Roles

Role	Voice type	Premiere cast, September 20, 1779 (Conductor: – )
Pygmalion	speaking role
Venus	silent role
Galatea	silent role

Synopsis

Pygmalion, having renounced women, is in love with the statue he has made, his Galatea. Venus allows her to come to life, giving him final happiness.

Discography

• Benda Melodramas: Ariadne auf Naxos/Pygmalion with conductor Christian Benda and the Prague Chamber Orchestra. Cast: Brigitte Quadlbauer (Ariadne) and Peter Uray (Pygmalion). Released in 1996 on the Naxos label.

References

• Amadeus Almanac, accessed 13 June 2008