Pygmalion (Benda)

Pygmalion (Benda) refers to a one-act opera by Czech composer Jiří Benda, composed in 1779. It is a melodrama (a term used differently in the 18th century, referring to a spoken text accompanied by music) based on the ancient Greek myth of Pygmalion.

The opera tells the story of Pygmalion, a sculptor who falls in love with his own creation, a statue of a beautiful woman. Through his devotion and the intervention of Venus, the statue is brought to life. The work is significant as one of the early and most successful examples of the melodrama form, influencing later composers like Mozart and Beethoven.

Benda's Pygmalion is scored for strings, oboes, horns and continuo. The text is spoken by Pygmalion, while the orchestra underscores his emotions and actions. The climax of the opera features the statue coming to life, accompanied by a shift in the musical texture.

The opera was originally performed in Gotha, Germany. It continues to be performed and recorded today, showcasing Benda's contribution to the development of early opera.