The Wise Virgins (1940)

MUSIC

Johann Sebastian Bach, arranged by Constant Lambert, orchestrated by William Walton
1. Cantata 140: Wachet auf (final chorale)
2. Cantata 142: Dein Geburstag ist erschienen (bass aria)
3. Cantata 99: Was Gott tut (opening chorus)
4. Organ Chorale BWU 727: Herzlich tutmir verlangen
5. Cantata 85: Ich bin ein guter Hirt (tenor aria), Seht, was die Liebe tut
6. Cantata 26: Ach wie fluchtig (opening chorus)
7. Cantata 208: Was mir behagt (soprano aria), Schafe, können sicher weiden
8. As 3, with different scoring, orchestrated to two ritornelli without chorale
9. Cantata 129: Gelobet sei der Herr (concluding chorale setting)

SCENERY & COSTUMES

Rex Whistler

DANCERS

The Bridegroom: Michael Somes; The Bride: Margot Fonteyn; The Father: Claude Newman; The Mother: Annabel Farjeon; Wise Virgins: Julia Farron, Olive Deacon, Joan Leaman, Joan Sheldon, Palma Nye; Foolish Virgins: Mary Honer, Elizabeth Kennedy, Joy Newton, Patricia Garnett, Jean Bedells; Angels: Richard Ellis, John Hart, Leslie Edwards, Leo Young, Stanley Hall; Cherubs: Deryk Mendel, Margaret Dale, Guineverre Parry, Mavis Jackson

FIRST PERFORMANCE

Vic-Wells Ballet, Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London, 24 April 1940

New Stagings / Productions

Royal Ballet, 1970

STAGING

Royal Ballet; Tribute to Sir Frederick Ashton; solo for the Bride only

DANCERS

Margot Fonteyn, who danced it again on other occasions

FIRST PERFORMANCE

Royal Opera House, London, 24 July 1970

Ballet for All, 1972

STAGING

Ballet for All; solo for the Bride only

FIRST PERFORMANCE

Spa Pavilion, Felixstowe, 13 October 1972