Gloriana (opera)
Work data | |
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Original title: | Gloriana |
Original language: | English |
Music: | Benjamin Britten |
Libretto : | William Plomer based on the novel Elizabeth and Essex by Lytton Strachey |
Premiere: | June 8, 1953 |
Place of premiere: | Royal Opera House Covent Garden , London |
Playing time: | 2 hours, 30 minutes |
people | |
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Gloriana is an opera by Benjamin Britten in three acts. The opera premiered in 1953.
action
first act
On the occasion of a tournament, Lord Mountjoy, who was awarded first prize by the Queen, and her jealous favorite Lord Essex clash. The queen separates the quarreling. Cecil warns Elizabeth about Essex. This in turn complains to her that Raleigh is preventing him from going to Ireland to put down the rebellion there.
Second act
During the Queen's visit to Norwich, Essex is impatient to be sent to Ireland. Mountjoy and Penelope meet for a secret rendezvous. You happen to witness a conversation between Lord and Lady Essex in which angry Essex is planning a revolt. Penelope and Mountjoy warn him against rash steps. On the occasion of a ball, the Queen insults Lady Essex by appearing in the lady's dress. But then she announces the appointment of Lord Essex as Commander-in-Chief in Ireland.
Third act
Essex has failed to put down the rebellion in Ireland. He storms into the queen's room, although she is still getting dressed. After Cecil reports to Elisabeth that Essex is planning a revolt against her, she orders the lord to be arrested. In the streets, opponents and supporters of Essex await the Queen's decision. Despite Mountjoy, Penelope, and Lady Essex's petitions for clemency, the Queen eventually signs the death warrant.
epilogue
The Queen has an imaginary conversation with Essex and Cecil.
backgrounds
Britten wrote the opera as a commissioned work for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. At the world premiere, conducted by John Pritchard , Joan Cross sang Elisabeth and Peter Pears , Britten's partner, sang Essex. The choreography of the dance scenes came from John Cranko .
Recordings
- Josephine Barstow, Philip Langridge, conductor: Charles Mackerras (CD, Argo)
- Sarah Walker, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Conductor: Mark Elder (DVD, Arthaus)
- Josephine Barstow, Tom Randle, conductor: Paul Daniel (DVD, Opus Arte)
- Susan Bullock, Toby Spence, conductor: Richard Jones (DVD / Blu-ray, Opus Arte)
swell
- Piper's Encyclopedia of Music Theater, Piper Verlag
- The great manual of the opera, Noetzel Verlag