Bacchus is an opera in four acts by Jules Massenet to a French libretto by Catulle Mendès after Greek mythology. It was first performed at the Palais Garnier in Paris on 5 May 1909. The story is based on the mythology surrounding Bacchus and Ariadne (Ariane). The Gods, among them the demi-god Bacchus, appear in human form in ancient India to attempt to persuade the people away from the pervading Buddhist influence. Ariane has followed them, convinced that Bacchus is in fact Theseus, her unrequited love. In the end, Ariane sacrifices herself to save humanity and in doing so, Bacchus becomes a God. Although not a proper sequel, as Ariane dies in both pieces, Bacchus is a companion to Massenet's earlier opera, Ariane. Of Massenet's twenty-five operas, Bacchus is probably the least known, without a modern performance history or single modern recording. The ballet music has been recorded and issued appropriately by Naxos (company). The story of this opera is also related to that of Ariadne auf Naxos from Richard Strauss.

Roles

There are also a number of dance roles in the various ballets.

List of musical numbers

Act I, The Underworld

Act II

Scene 1, in Nepal Interlude: The Battle of the Monkeys Scene 2: After the Battle

Act 3

Scene 1: A Terrace of the Palace of the Sakias