Immerse yourself in the timeless tragedy of love and war with William Walton's "Troilus and Cressida," a masterful opera that has captivated audiences since its premiere in 1954. This 1995 Chandos release presents a revised version of Walton's first opera, meticulously edited following its initial run and prepared for a stunning 1995 performance by Opera North. With a libretto by Christopher Hassall, the opera brings to life the timeless tale of Troilus and Cressida, set against the backdrop of the Trojan War.
Spanning three acts and 35 tracks, this nearly two-and-a-half-hour opus is a testament to Walton's compositional genius. The opera is a rich tapestry of orchestral and vocal brilliance, featuring a full score that includes a cor anglais, bass clarinet, and a symphonic suite arranged by Christopher Palmer. The 1995 version, recorded in Leeds Town Hall, is a definitive rendition that showcases the depth and drama of Walton's score.
The album is a journey through the complex emotions of its characters, from the tender duets of Troilus and Cressida to the stormy confrontations and the haunting sextet that brings the opera to a close. Walton's music, with its lush harmonies and dynamic orchestration, perfectly complements the tragic narrative, making "Troilus and Cressida" a standout in the classical repertoire. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or new to the genre, this album offers a profound and engaging listening experience.
Tracks
Troilus and Cressida, Act I: Virgin of Troas (Calkas, Priests & Priestesses, Worshippers) (Original Version)William Walton, Richard Hickox, English Northern Philharmonia, Clive Bayley, James Thornton, Chorus Of Opera North
Troilus and Cressida, Act I: Back to your hovels… (Troilus, Antenor, Chorus) (Original Version)William Walton, Richard Hickox, English Northern Philharmonia, Arthur Davies, James Thornton, Chorus Of Opera North
Troilus and Cressida, Act I: Is Cressida a slave… (Troilus) (Original Version)William Walton, Richard Hickox, English Northern Philharmonia, Arthur Davies
Troilus and Cressida, Act I: Morning and evening I have felt your glance… (Cressida, Troilus) (Original Version)William Walton, Richard Hickox, English Northern Philharmonia, Judith Howarth, Arthur Davies
Troilus and Cressida, Act I: Forgive me… (Pandarus, Troilus) (Original Version)William Walton, Richard Hickox, English Northern Philharmonia, Nigel Robson, Arthur Davies
Troilus and Cressida, Act I: I haunt her beauty like a naked soul… (Troilus, Pandarus, Calkas, Cressida, Evadne) (Original Version)William Walton, Richard Hickox, English Northern Philharmonia, Arthur Davies, Nigel Robson, Clive Bayley, Judith Howarth, Yvonne Howard
Troilus and Cressida, Act I: My father! Evadne, follow him! (Cressida, Priest, Pandarus) (Original Version)William Walton, Richard Hickox, English Northern Philharmonia, Judith Howarth, Peter Bodenham, Nigel Robson
Troilus and Cressida, Act I: Slowly it all comes back (Cressida, Evadne, Pandarus) (Original Version)William Walton, Richard Hickox, English Northern Philharmonia, Judith Howarth, Yvonne Howard, Nigel Robson
Troilus and Cressida, Act I: Why niece!... in tears? (Pandarus, Cressida, Evadne) (Original Version)William Walton, Richard Hickox, English Northern Philharmonia, Judith Howarth, Yvonne Howard, Nigel Robson
Troilus and Cressida, Act I: Sweet sir, there's something… (Cressida, Pandarus, First Soldier, Troilus, Chorus) (Original Version)William Walton, Richard Hickox, English Northern Philharmonia, Judith Howarth, Nigel Robson, Keith Mills, Chorus Of Opera North
Troilus and Cressida, Act I: Dear child, you need a little comfort (Pandarus, Cressida, Troilus) (Original Version)William Walton, Richard Hickox, English Northern Philharmonia, Judith Howarth, Nigel Robson, Arthur Davies
Troilus and Cressida, Act II Scene 1: Does talking put you off? (Pandarus, Cressida, Horaste, Evadne) (Original Version)William Walton, Richard Hickox, English Northern Philharmonia, Judith Howarth, Nigel Robson, David Owen-Lewis
Troilus and Cressida, Act II Scene 1: How can I sleep? (Cressida) (Original Version)William Walton, Richard Hickox, English Northern Philharmonia, Judith Howarth
Troilus and Cressida, Act II Scene 1: At the haunted end of the day (Cressida) (Original Version)William Walton, Richard Hickox, English Northern Philharmonia, Judith Howarth
Troilus and Cressida, Act II Scene 1: Hush! Don't be so alarmed! (Pandarus, Cressida, Troilus) (Original Version)William Walton, Richard Hickox, English Northern Philharmonia, Judith Howarth, Nigel Robson, Arthur Davies
Troilus and Cressida, Act II Scene 1: If one last doubt, one lurking fear remains… (Troilus) (Original Version)William Walton, Richard Hickox, English Northern Philharmonia, Arthur Davies
Troilus and Cressida, Act II Scene 1: New life, new love! (Cressida, Troilus) (Original Version)William Walton, Richard Hickox, English Northern Philharmonia, Arthur Davies, Judith Howarth
Troilus and Cressida, Act II Scene 1: Now hold me close… (Cressida, Troilus) (Original Version)William Walton, Richard Hickox, English Northern Philharmonia, Arthur Davies, Judith Howarth
Troilus and Cressida, Act II Scene 2: The Storm (Original Version)William Walton, Richard Hickox, English Northern Philharmonia
Troilus and Cressida, Act II Scene 2: From isle to isle… (Cressida, Troilus) (Original Version)William Walton, Richard Hickox, English Northern Philharmonia, Judith Howarth, Arthur Davies
Troilus and Cressida, Act II Scene 2: Who would go drumming… (Pandarus, Cressida) (Original Version)William Walton, Richard Hickox, English Northern Philharmonia, Judith Howarth, Nigel Robson
Troilus and Cressida, Act II Scene 2: My name is Diomede… (Diomede, Pandarus) (Original Version)William Walton, Richard Hickox, English Northern Philharmonia, Nigel Robson, Alan Opie
Troilus and Cressida, Act II Scene 2: This thing shall be revok'd… (Troilus, Cressida, Pandarus, Evadne) (Original Version)William Walton, Richard Hickox, English Northern Philharmonia, Arthur Davies, Judith Howarth, Nigel Robson, Yvonne Howard
Troilus and Cressida, Act III: All's well! (Watchmen, Cressida, Evadne) (Original Version)William Walton, Richard Hickox, English Northern Philharmonia, Judith Howarth, Bruce Budd, Stephen Dowson, Brian Cookson, Yvonne Howard
Troilus and Cressida, Act III: Troilus! No answering sign… (Cressida, Watchmen) (Original Version)William Walton, Richard Hickox, English Northern Philharmonia, Judith Howarth, Bruce Budd, Stephen Dowson, Brian Cookson
Troilus and Cressida, Act III: Cressid, daughter… (Calkas) (Original Version)William Walton, Richard Hickox, English Northern Philharmonia, Clive Bayley
Troilus and Cressida, Act III: You gods, o deathless gods… (Cressida) (Original Version)William Walton, Richard Hickox, English Northern Philharmonia, Judith Howarth
Troilus and Cressida, Act III: Proud, wondrous Cressida (Diomede, Cressida) (Original Version)William Walton, Richard Hickox, English Northern Philharmonia, Judith Howarth, Alan Opie
Troilus and Cressida, Act III: Take it, take it (Cressida, Diomede, Evadne, Watchmen) (Original Version)William Walton, Richard Hickox, English Northern Philharmonia, Judith Howarth, Alan Opie, Yvonne Howard, Bruce Budd, Stephen Dowson, Brian Cookson
Troilus and Cressida, Act III: Evadne! (Troilus, Pandarus, Evadne, Cressida) (Original Version)William Walton, Richard Hickox, English Northern Philharmonia, Arthur Davies, Nigel Robson, Yvonne Howard, Judith Howarth
Troilus and Cressida, Act III: Troilus! (Cressida, Pandarus, Troilus) (Original Version)William Walton, Richard Hickox, English Northern Philharmonia, Arthur Davies, Nigel Robson, Judith Howarth
Troilus and Cressida, Act III: What is this sudden alarm? (Troilus, Cressida, Pandarus, Diomede, Chorus) (Original Version)William Walton, Richard Hickox, English Northern Philharmonia, Arthur Davies, Nigel Robson, Judith Howarth, Alan Opie, Chorus Of Opera North
Troilus and Cressida, Act III: Sextet (Diomede, Troilus, Cressida, Pandarus, Calkas and Evadne) (Original Version)William Walton, Richard Hickox, English Northern Philharmonia, Arthur Davies, Nigel Robson, Judith Howarth, Alan Opie, Yvonne Howard, Clive Bayley
Troilus and Cressida, Act III: She has brought shame upon her father! (Calkas, Diomede, Troilus, Cressida, Chorus) (Original Version)William Walton, Richard Hickox, English Northern Philharmonia, Clive Bayley, Alan Opie, Arthur Davies, Judith Howarth, Chorus Of Opera North
Troilus and Cressida, Act III: Diomede!... Father!... (Cressida) (Original Version)William Walton, Richard Hickox, English Northern Philharmonia, Judith Howarth
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