Oedipus at Colonus (Mendelssohn)

Oedipus at Colonus (German: Ödipus in Kolonos), Op. 93[1] is incidental music by Felix Mendelssohn to Sophocles' play Oedipus at Colonus (401 BC) consisting of an orchestral introduction and nine scenes for two choirs and soloists. The work was commissioned by Frederick William IV of Prussia and in 1845 had its first performance in Potsdam at the Neues Palais. William's goal was to encourage the revival of Greek tragedy and classical works among Berlin audiences.[2] Nine days later, on 10 November 1845 the work received its first public performance.[3] The work takes about 50 to 60 minutes to play.

During its time, the work was very successful and received many performance within Germany and abroad. It is also regarded as one of Mendelssohn's most popular works.[2]