What is the name of Ludwig Beethoven's only opera?

Fidelio is Beethoven's only opera. In the autumn of 1805, Beethoven finished the score of his first opera, Fidelio. The first performance was in November 1805 at the "Theatre an der Wien". However, this opera resulted in a failure and was taken off the repertoire after only two performances. In December 1805, Beethoven decided to revise the opera: The plot was shortened and the former three acts were changed into two. The second version of Fidelio was presented on stage at the "Theatre an der Wien" on March 29 and April 10, 1806. Although the performance was more successful this time, the opera was suspended again after its second presentation because Beethoven withdrew the score after a dispute with the artistic director.

His only opera sunk into oblivion and was neither performed nor demanded after 1806. In 1814 the situation changed. After Beethoven's opera was again revised, Fidelio's final version was performed for the first time in May 1814. Then, it became a great success.