Antonio Sacchini was one of the leading composers of Italian opera seria of the late 18th century. Oedipe � Colone, his last work, was extraordinarily successful, with regular performances at the Paris Op�ra between 1787 and 1844. Based on Sophocles� tragedy Oedipus at Colonus, the second item in a trilogy that is one of the glories of Greek literature, Sacchini�s opera is notable for both its high drama and tender, moving lyricism. It was championed by Berlioz who considered it to be an inspired and even sublime work.