Sappho is also the subject of important operas not discussed in Wharton's chapter on Portrayals in Comedy and Drama in the Life of Sappho.
Jules Massenet wrote an opera in five acts called ‘Sapho’ in 1896 (revised 1909). It premiered at the Opera-Comique, Paris in November of 1897. The libretto, by Henri Cain and Arthur Bernede, was after Daudet’s novel. Daudet and Massenet were good friends.
The baroque composer Johann Aegidius Martini wrote an opera called ‘Sapho’ in 1794. The opera was his only tragedy; it was very successful, enjoying over 100 performances in Paris.
Giovanni Pacini composed an opera called ‘Saffo’ in three acts in 1840. The libretto was by Salvatore Cammarano. It premiered in Naples in November of 1840. Many critics regard it as Pacini’s best work.
Reference: The New Penguin Opera Guide, Edited by Amanda Holden, Penguin Books, London, England, 2001
