Event Comment: This date of performance is not a certainty; for the evidence, see
Spencer,
Shakespeare Improved, p. 94. Neither is
Shadwell's authorship of the alterations a certainty, for the contributions of other playwrights have never been fully determined. (See
Nicoll, Restoration Drama, p. 43.) The instrumental music was composed by
Matthew Lock, with new vocal music by
James? Hart and
Pietro Reggio. See
Songs Set by Signior Pietro Reggio, 1680. And differing versions of the second Prologue and the second Epilogue are in
BM Egerton MS. 2623, ff. 54-55.
Downes (
Roscius Anglicanus, pp. 34-35): The Year after in 1673.
The Tempest, or the Inchanted Island, made into an Opera by
Mr Shadwell, having all New in it; as Scenes, Machines; particularly, one Scene
Painted with Myriads of Ariel Spirits; and another flying away, with a Table Furnisht out with Fruits, Sweetmeats and all sorts of Viands; just when
Duke Trinculo and his Companions, were going to Dinner; all things Perform'd in it so Admirably well, that not any succeeding Opera got more Money
Performances
Mainpiece Title: The Tempest; Or, The Enchanted Island