The Triumph of St. Joan

Joan of Arc depicted on horseback in a 1505 manuscript

The Triumph of St. Joan was originally an opera in three acts by Norman Dello Joio to an English language libretto on the subject of the martyrdom of Joan of Arc by Dello Joio and Joseph Machlis (1906–1998). It was premiered at Sarah Lawrence College on May 9, 1950.[1] Although the opera was received positively, the composer was unhappy with the work and declined to have it performed again.[2] However, he did adapt part of the opera into a symphony of the same title in 1951.[3] The symphony was later renamed Seraphic Ode.[4]

Dello Joio returned to the subject of Joan of Arc in 1955 when he was commissioned by the NBC Television Opera Theatre to produce an original 75-minute opera for television. The resulting work in two acts was retitled The Trial at Rouen, and, in using new music and a new libretto by Dello Joio, was in effect a completely different musical drama from its predecessor. It premiered on April 8, 1956 on NBC.[5] Dello Joio adapted the work a third time, extending the music at the beginning and end of the 1956 version (including some music from the 1950 opera) to create a one-act opera for the stage. This third version, once again called The Triumph of St. Joan, was premiered by the New York City Opera on April 16, 1959.[6]

  1. ^ Carter Harman (May 7, 1950). "Composer of New Opera Discusses his Work; Recital for Two". The New York Times.
  2. ^ Daniel J. Wakin (July 27, 2008). "Norman Dello Joio, Prolific and Popular Composer, Is Dead at 95". The New York Times.
  3. ^ The Triumph of St. Joan Symphony naxos.com
  4. ^ "Norman Dello Joio". www.usopera.com. 2009.
  5. ^ Norman Dello Joio (July 27, 2008). "Challenge of Joan; Composer Relates Effort In Trying to Meet It". The New York Times.
  6. ^ Howard Taubman (April 17, 1959). "The Opera: City Center Double Bill; Works by Dello Joio and Menotti Sung". The New York Times.