Leoncavallo biographer Konrad Dryden disputes whether Leoncavallo composed the opera at all, stating that "it is extremely doubtful whether Edipo Re, Maschera nuda or the short operetta Il primo bacio had anything to do with the composer at all."
[2][3] The plot of Edipo Re is based on Sophocles' Oedipus Rex, although the libretto excluded most of the choruses.
[3][5] According to music journalist William Schoelle, the opera contains "a dynamic opening chorus, excellent vocal writing, a major aria for Oedipus, and a sublime love duet whose only disappointing factor is its brevity.
[6] The Herald went to say that lead singer Titta Ruffo, while "impressive" and well suited to the role, "could not restore to life the tremendous figure of the Oedipus Tyrannus of Sophocles killed by the deadly music of Leoncavallo.
"[6] The New York Tribune said that "Except for the entrance of Jocasta and fugitive lyric moments, which soothe the ears, the music is noisy from beginning to end, lacking in depth, and wholly without distinction.