As the world approaches the 600^th anniversaries of Joan of Arc’s historic military campaigns and martyrdom, I’m pleased at last to announce a new definitive, singable English translation of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s grandest opera, The Maid of Orleans.

Historically, the convoluted syntax and complexity of Tchaikovsky’s original libretto have made this titan of Russian grand opera challenging for contemporary audiences and performers alike. My new translation transforms the text into melodic, poetic English, carefully preserving the composer’s musicality while modernizing the narrative’s emotionally fraught core.

In a bold departure from literalist translations, I’ve audaciously reimagined the despairing Act III and Love Duet. Recognizing a stark disconnect between Tchaikovsky’s soaring score and his anguished and guilt-ridden libretto, I completely rewrote the scene to redeem the depressing Russian epic, shifting it from punishment and atonement to ecstatic spiritual enlightenment. This pivotal change replaces her ignominious execution with a glorious apotheosis at the stake, aligning with the transcendent power of Tchaikovsky’s music.

In my translation, the music sounds as if it were written for these English words. I wanted to redeem Joan from the narrative of moral failure and return her to her rightful place as an inspired, triumphant figure.

Utilizing my first literal translation of fifty years ago, this work was performed by the Canadian Opera Company (1978) and Detroit Opera (1979). Many decades later, under the baton of the late Robert Lyall, the New Orleans Opera Association produced my revised version to broad acclaim in 2020, turning a sprawling Russian guilt-trip into an inspiring theatrical event.

With the 600^th anniversaries of St. Joan of Arc’s victorious military campaign against the English (1428-30) and her dramatic martyrdom (1431), celebrating the subject is supremely timely. To instigate the widest possible celebrations, I’m waiving licensing fees and royalties for my English libretto for performance—in part or in whole—through 2031.

Opera companies, festivals, conservatories, educational institutions, and performers are cordially invited to download the parts of the vocal score from my OneDrive at the link Joan of Arc parts’ and encouraged to schedule anniversary productions commemorating Joan’s triumphant life.

Kindly circulate this information to any interested parties or organizations. Contact me with questions or comments at rbalthazar@msn.com or call 505-983-9745.

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