Œdipus Tyrannus.
The first public performance of the “Œdipus Tyrannus” of Sophocles in this country was given at the Sanders Theatre (Harvard College), Cambridge, Mass., May 17, 1881, for which occasion Mr. Paine composed the music incidental to the world-famous tragedy. The performance was a memorable one in many ways. The tragedy was given in the original language. It was the first event of the kind in America. The audience was a representative one in culture, education, and social brilliancy. The programme was also unique, being printed in Greek, and translated into English was as follows:—
TO ALL THE SPECTATORS GREETING.
[The college seal.]
Six verses from the Eumenides of Æschylus:
“Hail people of the city
That sit near to Zeus,
Friends of the friendly goddess,
Wise in your generation,
Ye whom under the wings of Pallas