Having composed five operas in the 1850s, Verdi, while looking for a suitable libretto, came across a manuscript of Eugène Scribe which had already been the subject of works by other composers. Although the political aspect only played a minor role in the plot, the censor's office demanded that the locale be moved outside Europe. The world premiere in Rome on 17 February 1859 was a huge triumph for Verdi and 'Un Ballo in Maschera' with is brilliant arias and effective choral scenes.Kurt Pahlen j...