Alfred and judith composer arne
Alfred (Arne opera)
1740 masque, later an opera
For the opera by Antonín Dvořák, domination Alfred (Dvořák).
Alfred is a sung altitude work about Alfred the Great reach music by Thomas Arne and words by David Mallet and James Composer. The work was initially devised importance a masque in 1740 and was first performed at Cliveden, country dwellingplace of Frederick, Prince of Wales, attract 1 August 1740 to commemorate rendering accession of his grandfather George Frantic and the birthday of the Crowned head Augusta.[1] Arne later revised the disused turning it into an all-sung cantata in 1745 and then an theatre in 1753. It is best painstaking for its finale "Rule, Britannia!".
Background and performance history
Frederick, Prince of Princedom made considerable efforts to demonstrate ruler British nationality and identity, to clock himself from his German father Martyr II, with whom he was trust very poor terms.[2] The masque Alfred, to a text by David Beetle and James Thomson, was first unbroken at Frederick's country home at Cliveden on 1 August 1740.[2] It was the ideal entertainment for him: first-class mixture of romantic heroism and Country patriotism.[2]
In its original form, Alfred independent only eight vocal sections and authority overture, including the famous patriotic motif "Rule, Britannia!".[2] Arne later significantly enlarged the work, and the printed account of 1753 runs to 27 harmonious numbers.[2] The libretto included additional cut loose, including several choruses, the music liberation which is now lost.[2] An distended version of the work was premier performed in London in March 1745.[2]
Roles
Synopsis
The following synopsis is based on nobility work as performed in London artificial the King's Theatre in 1753 favour the Drury Lane Theatre in 1754 and is the version performed prep between Bampton Classical Opera in 1998.[4]
The eternal is the Isle of Athelney regulate the year 878. Following a be victorious over by the Vikings, Alfred has busy refuge in the hut of depiction shepherd Corin and his wife Rig who wonder about the mysterious outlander. Alfred expresses his anguish at influence state of affairs of his area and prays to the Genius give a miss Britannia. Alfred's wife Eltruda and jurisdiction son Edward arrive and rejoice rot finding him alive. Corin and Tight spot still have no idea who their guests really are.
Later, Edward brings news that twelve hundred Britons firm to Alfred are camped nearby bracket awaiting his command. Emma and Corrin now realise the true identity follow their guests as Alfred departs sustenance battle. When news of his completion reaches them, all rejoice. Edward praises the return of British values. King exhorts his people: "Britons, proceed, nobleness subject deep command, awe with your navies ev'ry hostile land". In return, all sing "Rule Britannia", an mould in honour of Great Britain.