Le Triomphe de Trajan

Le Triomphe de Trajan is a lyric tragedy in three acts with a score by Persuis and Lesueur , a libretto by Esménard , and ballets by Pierre-Gabriel Gardel . The idea for this sumptuous work had been suggested by the Minister of Police to celebrate Napoleon’s return to Paris, and its premiere was set for 6 February 1807, but it was not until 23 October 1807 that it was staged for the first time. The expenses were enormous for this production: 96,460 francs. The expenditures would have been even…