Troubled Island. An Opera in Three Acts.

HUGHES, Langston and William Grant Still.

$750.00

Item Number: 140395

New York: Leeds Music Corporation, 1949.

First edition of the first grand opera composed by an African American to be produced by a major company. Octavo, original wrappers. Boldly signed by Langston Hughes on the title page. In very good condition. Uncommon in this condition.

Troubled Island is an American opera in three acts composed by William Grant Still, with a libretto begun by poet Langston Hughes and completed by Verna Arvey. Set in Haiti in 1791, Troubled Island portrays Jean Jacques Dessalines and the corruption of his leadership in the Haitian revolution. He declared himself as emperor of an independent Haiti but was assassinated by opponents. The opera premiered at the New York City Opera on March 31, 1949, notably making it the first grand opera composed by an African American to be produced by a major company. The premiere performance was greeted with 22 curtain calls.