Yan Tan Tethera is a chamber opera (subtitled A Mechanical Pastoral) by the English composer Harrison Birtwistle with a libretto by the poet Tony Harrison, based on a supernatural folk tale about two shepherds, their sheep, and the Devil. It was first performed at Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, on 7 August 1986. The title comes from a traditional way of counting sheep.
| Yan Tan Tethera A Mechanical Pastoral | |
|---|---|
| Opera by Harrison Birtwistle | |
.jpg) The composer in 2008 | |
| Librettist | Tony Harrison |
| Language | English |
| Based on | folk tale |
| Premiere | 7 August 1986 Queen Elizabeth Hall, London |
Roles
edit| Role | Voice type | Premiere Cast, 7 August 1986 (Conductor: Elgar Howarth) |
|---|---|---|
| Alan | baritone | Omar Ebrahim |
| Hannah | soprano | Helen Charnock |
| Caleb Raven | baritone | Philip Doghan |
| Piper/Bad 'Un | tenor | Richard Suart |
References
edit- Holden, Amanda (Ed.), The New Penguin Opera Guide, New York: Penguin Putnam, 2001. ISBN 0-14-029312-4
- Universal Edition details
- YouTube: Yan Tan Tethera - Harrison Birtwistle
Bibliography
edit- Adlington, Robert (2000): The Music of Harrison Birtwistle, Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-52-102780-2
- Beard, David (2012): Harrison Birtwistle's Operas and Music Theatre, Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-52-189534-0
- Cross, Jonathan (2000): Harrison Birtwistle: Man, Mind Music, Faber. ISBN 0-57-119345-5
- Hall, Michael (1984): Harrison Birtwistle, Robson. ISBN 1-86-105235-9
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