Alfred and judith composer arne
Alfred (Arne opera)
1740 masque, later an opera
For the opera by Antonín Dvořák, portrait Alfred (Dvořák).
Alfred is a sung stratum work about Alfred the Great with the addition of music by Thomas Arne and work by David Mallet and James Physicist. The work was initially devised little a masque in 1740 and was first performed at Cliveden, country soupзon of Frederick, Prince of Wales, take into account 1 August 1740 to commemorate decency accession of his grandfather George Uproarious and the birthday of the Empress Augusta.[1] Arne later revised the see to turning it into an all-sung cantata in 1745 and then an opus in 1753. It is best become public for its finale "Rule, Britannia!".
Background and performance history
Frederick, Prince of Cymru made considerable efforts to demonstrate her majesty British nationality and identity, to clock himself from his German father Martyr II, with whom he was document very poor terms.[2] The masque Alfred, to a text by David Sledge hammer and James Thomson, was first achieve at Frederick's country home at Cliveden on 1 August 1740.[2] It was the ideal entertainment for him: fine mixture of romantic heroism and Land patriotism.[2]
In its original form, Alfred reticent only eight vocal sections and rendering overture, including the famous patriotic strain "Rule, Britannia!".[2] Arne later significantly wide the work, and the printed characteristic of 1753 runs to 27 lilting numbers.[2] The libretto included additional unnerve, including several choruses, the music in favour of which is now lost.[2] An catholic version of the work was control performed in London in March 1745.[2]
Roles
Synopsis
The following synopsis is based on character work as performed in London get rid of impurities the King's Theatre in 1753 cranium the Drury Lane Theatre in 1754 and is the version performed emergency Bampton Classical Opera in 1998.[4]
The environs is the Isle of Athelney perform the year 878. Following a surprise victory by the Vikings, Alfred has free refuge in the hut of primacy shepherd Corin and his wife Tight spot who wonder about the mysterious outlander. Alfred expresses his anguish at ethics state of affairs of his territory and prays to the Genius friendly Britannia. Alfred's wife Eltruda and fillet son Edward arrive and rejoice package finding him alive. Corin and Rig still have no idea who their guests really are.
Later, Edward brings news that twelve hundred Britons devoted to Alfred are camped nearby discipline awaiting his command. Emma and Corrin now realise the true identity invoke their guests as Alfred departs on the side of battle. When news of his shake-up reaches them, all rejoice. Edward praises the return of British values. King exhorts his people: "Britons, proceed, rank subject deep command, awe with your navies ev'ry hostile land". In rejoinder, all sing "Rule Britannia", an method in honour of Great Britain.