Description
Book SynopsisAlthough it is impossible to trace any one particular theme running through the operas of Michael Tippett, the libretti of his four operas are fascinating to compare. The dense allusions of The Midsummer Marriage (1955), here annotated, gave way to the classical formality of King Priam (1962); the psychoanalytical preoccupations of The Knot Garden (1970) hardly foreshadow the contemporary political commentary of The Ice Break (1977). Each work breaks new ground and provokes unexpected responses. The libretti offer unique introductions to the music, and throw a searching light on the direction of British theatre since 1945.Contents: Operas contained in this volume: The Midsummer Marriage, King Priam, The Knot Garden, The Ice Break; Introduction, Meirion Bowen; A Ritual of Renewal, Paul Driver; A Visionary Night', John Lloyd Davies; Music for an Epic, Andrew Clements; A Tempest of Our Time, Meirion Bowen; Stereotypes and Rebirth, Leslie East
Trade ReviewBrilliantly produced and superb value.' * Sunday Times *
All these will provide the new opera-goer with food for thought.' * Daily Telegraph *
Wholehearted recommendation of this valuable new series.' * TLS *
Table of ContentsList of Illustrations Introduction by Meirion Bowen A Ritual of Renewal by Paul Driver 'The Midsummer Marriage' an Opera in Three Acts Act One Act Two Act Three 'A Visionary Night' by John Lloyd Davies Music for an Epic by Andrew Clements 'King Priam' an Opera in Three Acts Act One Act Two Act Three A Tempest of Our Time by Meirion Bowen 'The Knot Garden' an Opera in Three Acts Act One Act Two Act Three Stereotypes and Rebirth by Leslie East 'The Ice Break' an Opera in Three Acts Act One Act Two Act Three Discography Bibliography Contributors
