The chapter of the myth of Achilles in the island of Skyros, and specifically the attraction of the carnival-like disguises and the transposition of genders serves as the inspiration for over thirty lyrical compositions between the middle of the XVIII century until over two centuries later.

Thetis, the mother of Achilles, determined to masquerade him as a woman in order to hide him in the Court of the King Lycomedes, and therefore avoid that the Greek warriors take him off to the battle at which they intend to destroy Troy.  Their determination in counting Achilles among their ranks is the consequence of a prophecy which states that, without him, the victory will not be possible.  What starts out as an apparently effective idea, is complicated when Achilles falls in love with one of the princesses, and it becomes even more serious when Achilles is sent to the island to try to find his own whereabouts.

Francesco Corselli wrote Acilles on Skyros in Madrid, where he lived during the majority of his professional career and where he worked as Maestro of the Royal Chapel

This work, which initially had its future limited to a few performances for the Court, now arrives at the Teatro Real as part of an indispensable effort to recuperate our best lyric patrimony.

First act

On the square in front of the Bacchus temple on the coast of the island of Sciro, the bacchantes celebrate a feast of their god. Among them are Deidamia and Pirra, the disguised Achille. The rite is interrupted by trumpet sound, and everyone looks towards the sea. Two ships can be seen. On the ships are soldiers. Nearco recognizes, however, the ship's decoration that they have friendly intentions. Achille would like to watch the ships even longer, but Nearco advises him against it. It could stand out if he stayed here longer unaccompanied in women's clothes here. In addition, meanwhile, Deidamia will meet with Teagene, the prince of Chalcis, and King Licomedes wants the two today promise each other.

After Achille leaves, Nearco ponders how he can continue to hide Achille's identity. As soon as he hears battle noise or trumpets, he is unstoppable. Besides, he does not know anything about the prophecy that he is indispensable for the victory against Troy and therefore is sought by all Greece. Guests Ulisse and Arcade, who have arrived by boat, now come ashore and are greeted by Nearco. He sets out to report it to the king. Ulisse recognized Nearco, however, because he had met him at the court of Achilles father Peleus. He therefore suspects that he can also find Achille here.

In the rooms of Deidamia, King Licomede asks her to go to the garden to greet her future husband, Teagene. He himself was expected by the Greek ambassadors. After he leaves, Achille comes and blames her for her engagement with Teagene. She assures him, however, that he has no feelings for him. She wants to do everything to stay with Achille. In the meantime, however, he should pay more attention to his camouflage in order not to be recognized. He promises her to be careful. There appears Ulisse. Pirra (Achille) is angry about his unauthorized entry into the women's chamber. Ulisse instantly becomes suspicious and demands to know who she is. Deidamia calls him the name Pirra. Ulisse apologizes for being wrong in the room. He wanted to go to the king to ask for ships and warriors for the coming war.

Ulisse has noticed the similarity of Pirras with Peleus. His language and his looks also made him suspicious. He is still not sure that it is Achille. Arcade tells him that Nearco arrived a year ago with Pirra. This was a friend of the Princess Deidamia.

In the palace garden Deidamia Teagene awaits. Achille hides there to watch the conversation. Licomede arrives and introduces her to Teagene as her future husband. When Teagene compliments her, Achille can not hold back and comes out of hiding. Jokingly, Licomede Teagene introduces him as his rival because Pirra is Deidamia's constant companion. Deidamia asks Teagene not to speak of love with her because she is not interested in it. She moves away. Teagene is confused about this reception. When he tries to follow Deidamia, he is stopped by Achille.

Second act

In a loggia decorated with Hercules sculptures, Arcade Ulisse reports that all preparations for his plan have been made. Your people should simulate a fight to lure Achille out of the reserve. Ulisse knows that this noise can not resist. They see Pirra come and decide to observe their behavior. While Arcade is hiding, Ulisse pretends to be completely lost in contemplating the statues. He compares Hercules to Achille in various ways, while Arcade observes Pirra's reaction. Before a decision comes, however, the king appears and brings them to dinner. The next morning he wants to show them the ships and warriors provided.

Licomede asks Achille to convince Deidamia of the benefits of Teagene.

Achille tells Nearco how much he now feels humiliated by women's clothing. Nearco is worried about Deidamia, who instantly gets worried if Achille leaves her alone for just a moment. They decide to go to her. Nearco wonders about Achille. It's hard to control in the case of gun noise, but as soon as he thinks of Deidamia, he calms down immediately.

In a large hall, everyone sits at the set table. Teagene notices the familiarity between Deidamia and Pirra. Ulisse speaks of the upcoming fight, in which all of Europe will participate. Arcade observes Pirra's reactions. Pirra (Achille) actually got upset. But then Licomede asks her for a lecture on the lyre.

Achilles song is interrupted when some people from Ulisse's entourage bring gifts from Ithaca. Among them is a magnificent armor, which is particularly admired by Achille. Deidamia can bring him to reason just in time. There is a clatter of weapons outside. The fight between their men and the royal guards, faked by Ulisse and Arcade, makes Achille throw away the lyre, take the armor, and draw his sword. After being so unmasked, Ulisse tells him about the order of the Greeks. Achille is torn between his lust for battle and his love for Deidamia, which he does not want to leave behind. Finally he rips his clothes and follows Ulisse. Deidamia is desperate and asks Nearco to stop Achille. Then she is approached by Teagene, who wants to know what's going on with her. But she can not tell him yet. Teagene doubts that she's really ready to marry him.

Third act

Ulisse and Achille prepare for the departure. Arcade comes and urges. He secretly informs Ulisse that Deidamia is on her way to them. Achille, however, says he fears the king might try to prevent her departure. There comes Deidamia and makes Achille reproaches. Achille tells her that his feelings for her have not changed, but he must follow his duty. Ulisse urges him to decide and accuses him of cowardice. Deidamia faints him. Achille rushes to her. Ulisse and Arcade leave him.

After Deidamia wakes up, Achille realizes that Ulisse is gone. Nearco comes and reports that he is on his way to becoming king to reveal Pirra's true identity. Even Teagene have now found out the truth and is already with the king. Achille is also on his way there. Nearco now knows his mission has failed and is considering how to tell Thetis.

Achille finds Teagene at the King. He volunteers to renounce Deidamia and asks Licomede to marry her to Achille. Licomede is happy to have found such a valiant son-in-law in the famous Achille. Now come Ulisse and Deidamia. Licomede tells her his decision. Achille is to go to war with Ulisse and marry Deidamia on his return.

At the end of the opera, the allegorical figures glory, love and time descend in a cloud from the sky and sing along with their entourage a song of praise to the happy couple. In an analogy, the newlyweds Maria Theresia and Francis of Lorraine, whose wedding was the cause of the work, are also paid homage.