Oedipus rex (opera) techniques from past classical styles and from popular styles of the day as well. However, Stravinsky purposely mismatches the text subjects (in Latin) with its corresponding musical accompaniment. Bernstein even goes so far as to link the opening four-note motif sung by the chorus to a specific sung quote in Verdi's "Aida". The idea parallel of "power and pity" reigns in both operas even though the specific subject matters are quite different. Notes Sources Oedipus rex (opera) Oedipus rex is an "Opera-oratorio after Sophocles" by Igor Stravinsky, scored for orchestra, speaker, soloists, and male chorus. The libretto, based on Sophocles's
Oedipus at Colonus of guilt; the fact that Oedipus is "rationally innocent" – that he sinned unknowingly – decreases his guilt, allowing his earthly sufferings to serve as sufficient expiation for his sins. Darice Birge has argued that "Oedipus at Colonus" can be interpreted as a heroic narrative of Oedipus rather than a tragic one. It can be viewed as a transitional piece from the Oedipus of "Oedipus Rex" whose acts were abominable to the Oedipus we see at the end of "Oedipus at Colonus", who is so powerful that he is sought after by two separate major cities. The major image used