Lysistrata (opera)

Several operas and operettas have been based on Aristophanes' ancient Greek comedy Lysistrata. The plot typically revolves around Lysistrata, an Athenian woman who convinces the women of Greece to withhold sexual privileges from their husbands and lovers as a means of forcing an end to the Peloponnesian War.

Operatic adaptations vary in their tone, style, and specific details, often reflecting the social and political climate in which they were composed. Some versions lean heavily into the comedic aspects, while others explore the underlying themes of gender relations, pacifism, and political power. Musical styles can range from light operetta to more serious and dramatic operatic forms.

Notable operas based on Lysistrata include:

• Lysistrata (Enrico Golisciani, 1888): An opera in three acts by Enrico Golisciani, with music by Carlo Pedrotti.

• Lysistrata (Raymond Lewenthal, 1963): An unfinished opera by pianist and composer Raymond Lewenthal, completed posthumously by composer Hershy Kay. This version is known for its extensive use of ragtime and early jazz influences.

• Lysistrata (Mark Adamo, 2005): An opera in two acts by American composer Mark Adamo. This version is particularly notable for its contemporary setting and its exploration of modern themes such as feminism and war.

Other less well-known or fragmented operatic works based on Lysistrata exist, highlighting the enduring appeal of Aristophanes' play as source material for musical adaptation. These adaptations often showcase the humor, wit, and social commentary inherent in the original text while translating it into the operatic medium. The degree of fidelity to the source material and the specific musical interpretations vary significantly from one adaptation to another.