[Walton, WIlliam. (1902–1983) & Pears, Peter. (1910–1986) & Sargent, Malcolm. (1895–1967)]

"Troilus and Cressida" - 1954 Opening Night Program and Clippings

Original program from the December 3, 1954 world premiere of William Walton's opera Troilus and Cressida at the Royal Opera House. Conducted by Malcolm Sargent, the opera starred Richard Lewis and Magda Laszlo, with Peter Pears in a character role (singing through a heavy cold.) 4 pp. Light toning; overall in fine condition. 8.5 x 12.5 inches (21.5 x 32 cm). Together with an interesting selection of nine press clippings of reviews of the opening night, with one from the Tatler profiling the composer.

"From 1947 to 1954 Walton struggled with the composition of a grand opera, Troilus and Cressida. His severe standards of craftsmanship, combined with dissatisfaction with the librettist, Christopher Hassell, conspired to make the project a slow and painful one. Although the opera was a success at its Covent Garden première (3 December 1954) and in subsequent productions in New York and San Francisco, its outright failure at La Scala wounded Walton deeply and sapped his self-confidence. He continued to revise, cut and make other alterations to the work for many years." (Byron Adams, New Grove Online.) (14319)

Program, unsigned Opera