In Walton's opera, Cressida is portrayed as a victim of intrigue and deception, yielding to Diomede out of weakness and fear, a departure from Boccaccio's depiction of her as fickle.
Composition History
The libretto for Troilus and Cressida was a continuous problem for William Walton, who called it a "shambles," leading to five years of extensive correspondence to resolve difficulties.
Composition History
The search for an operatic story for Walton's Troilus and Cressida lasted several months, with eight other subjects being considered and laid aside.
Performer Biography
Richard Hickox, the conductor of this recording, was Music Director of Opera Australia and Principal Conductor of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and founded the City of London Sinfonia.
Composer Biography
William Walton faced significant delays in composing Troilus and Cressida due to Larry Olivier's Hamlet and his own illness after the death of his friend Alice Wimborne.
Composition History
The libretto for Troilus and Cressida was chosen from many proposals by William Walton's friend Alice Wimborne, who noted Walton's preference for a "Manon lady" over "Juliets."
Composition History
Walton's opera, Troilus and Cressida, was commissioned by the BBC for broadcasting, with Christopher Hassall suggested as the librettist.
