Add MS 33535

'The Talisman' [originally named 'The Knight of the Leopard']: English Opera in 3 Acts, in score, composed by M. W. Balfe in, or soon after, 1864, but not performed till 1874. It was then given at Drury Lane as 'Il Talismano,' the Italian translation of the text being made by G. Zaffira, by whom it has been added in the present MS below the English text. Mostly autograph. The overture given here was not discovered in time for publication with the score of the Opera, and was played for the first time on 29 July, 1876, as attested by the composer's widow, Mme. Lina Balfe. There are a few notes in the hand of the composer's son-in-law, A. H. Behrend. The instruments employed are flutes, oboes, clarinets, trumpets, cornets, horns, corno inglese, bassoons, trombones, ophicleide, drums, cymbals, organ, harp, and strings. The opening of Finale ii is wanting, and there are several variations from the published edition of Act iii, the most important being in the Finale, where the air, 'Flou'ret, I kiss thee,' is re-introduced. At the end (vol. ii, f. 356) is added a scene (Richard, Berengaria, Edith Plantagenet, and Lord de Vaux) closely resembling the chorus, 'Cantiam dell' Inghilterra.' Characters: The above, Sir Kenneth, The Emir, Nectabanus, King of France, Duke of Austria, Arabs, Pages, English, French, Austrians, etc.