Classical Music Milestone: December 1
An English Tragic Opera in Two Acts
Where a feature, such as a character, is excluded or misunderstood by society, often this is the protagonist, such as Peter Grimes and Owen Wingrave in their eponymous operas. Benjamin Britten is the subject of a piece by the Estonian composer Arvo Paert titled Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten, one of the most beautiful compositions by Paert.
Video Credit:
Britten - Billy Budd - 1966 BBCTV recording complete. Youtube, uploaded by Oliver Drake. Accesed December 1, 2013.
Britten's Opera Billy Budd Premieres
An English Tragic Opera in Two Acts
The tragic two-act English opera Billy Budd was composed by Benjamin Britten. Libretto was written by E. M. Forster and Eric Crozier, based on the story by Herman Melville. It was first performed at the London Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, December 1, 1951. Setting is onboard H.M.S. Indomitable, a 74-gun ship, during the French and English wars of 1797.
Peter Grimes marked the start of a series of English operas, of which Billy Budd (1951) and The Turn of the Screw (1954) were particularly admired. These operas share common themes, with that of the 'outsider' particularly prevalent.Where a feature, such as a character, is excluded or misunderstood by society, often this is the protagonist, such as Peter Grimes and Owen Wingrave in their eponymous operas. Benjamin Britten is the subject of a piece by the Estonian composer Arvo Paert titled Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten, one of the most beautiful compositions by Paert.
Video Credit:
Britten - Billy Budd - 1966 BBCTV recording complete. Youtube, uploaded by Oliver Drake. Accesed December 1, 2013.
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