(Latin for Apollo and Hyacinth or The Metamorphosis of Hyacinth), K. 38, is an opera in three acts written in 1767 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who was 11 years old at the time. It is Mozart's first true opera (when one considers that Die Schuldigkeit des ersten Gebots is simply a sacred drama). As is suggested by the name, the opera is based upon the Greek myth of Hyacinth and Apollo as told by Roman poet Ovid in his Metamorphoses. Interpreting this work, Rufinus Widl wrote the libretto in Latin.
History
After notable success in other areas of Europe, Mozart was commissioned to compose a piece for the Benedictine University in his hometown of Salzburg where it was first performed on 13 May 1767. Mozart's father, Leopold, was a notable name at the university, as many of his pupils were enrolled in the university high school, where theatre played a large role in the curriculum.
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External links
- "Work details, sound sample", Köchel-Verzeichnis, International Mozarteum Foundation
- Latin libretto and English translation, stuif.com
- Apollo et Hyacinthus K. 38, All About Mozart
- Apollo et Hyacinthus opera-arias.com