Oedipus at Colonus (Op. 93) is a ten-scene opera written by Felix Mendelssohn based upon the 1st century story of Oedipus at Colonus by Greek tragedian Sophocles. The opera was commissioned by Frederick William IV of Prussia and in 1845 the work 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. Nine days later, on the 10th of November 1845 the work received its first public performance. The work takes about 53 to 63 minutes to play in full. History 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. Scoring The work is written for two voices, a double male chorus, and orchestra of fifteen instruments: Flute Oboe Clarinet Bassoon Cornet Trombone Timpani Violin Viola Contrabass Recordings 2010: Soltesz (Berlin) 2010: Carus (Stuttgart) References Further reading Operas based on plays