Rory Boyle - Catalogue
Catalogue
Alfege : Opera for Children in Two Acts (1979)
Programme Note available
Rory Boyle, Peter Foster
Programme Note availableRory Boyle, Peter Foster
Work Details
Category: opera theatre
Duration: 50'
Instrumentation: Chorus / 1111 0220 2 Perc Pf (4 Hands) Str
Duration: 50'
Instrumentation: Chorus / 1111 0220 2 Perc Pf (4 Hands) Str
Programme Note
The action takes place in and around Greenwich, London and Canterbury in the space of one day.
A Danish raiding ship under the command of Prince Canute lands near Greenwich, and the troops led by Thorkell, a warrior, set up their camp. The latest payment of Danegeld is overdue and the Danes are preparing to collect the revenue themselves from the rich and powerful church. The boy attendant on Canute does not believe that England should be thus treated; but at sunset the Danes set off for Canterbury. Meanwhile in London King Ethelred is deploring his nation's economic state and the fact that he cannot afford to pay the extortionate sum demanded by the Danes. He calls on his counsellors who, unwisely, suggest attempting to play a trick on the Danes and Ethelred accepts the idea.
The English plan is too late, however, as already the Danes have reached Canterbury where Vespers are being said by Archbishop Alfege. Canute and Thorkell decide to kidnap the Archbishop to extract a ransom from the English.
The captive Alfege is concerned that the night ahead does not bode well for England.
Ethelred is uncertain how to react to the kidnapping; but when Canute's Page arrives with a ransom demand the English people are determined to fight for the return of their Archbishop and Ethelred is swayed by their force. The Danish boy is determined to save Alfege. In their encampment the Danes are drinking while they wait for payment. Canute has given the English until sunset and is certain that Alfege wants all people to live together in peace and, at Thorkell's suggestion, he tries to explain this to the Danes. Dawn breaks and Alfege, determined that Angland shall not pay for its Archbishop, incites the Danes to kill him. Alfege is killed. The Danish boy returns as the English are heard in the distance and the Danes retreat to their ship. The English people arrive to fight but are stunned at the sight of Alfege's body which they revere.
As the Danish ship sails away the Danes say they will return to claim their payment. The death of Alfege, however, has renewed the people's will to strive for individual freedom, and his name is glorified.
Peter Foster
The action takes place in and around Greenwich, London and Canterbury in the space of one day.
A Danish raiding ship under the command of Prince Canute lands near Greenwich, and the troops led by Thorkell, a warrior, set up their camp. The latest payment of Danegeld is overdue and the Danes are preparing to collect the revenue themselves from the rich and powerful church. The boy attendant on Canute does not believe that England should be thus treated; but at sunset the Danes set off for Canterbury. Meanwhile in London King Ethelred is deploring his nation's economic state and the fact that he cannot afford to pay the extortionate sum demanded by the Danes. He calls on his counsellors who, unwisely, suggest attempting to play a trick on the Danes and Ethelred accepts the idea.
The English plan is too late, however, as already the Danes have reached Canterbury where Vespers are being said by Archbishop Alfege. Canute and Thorkell decide to kidnap the Archbishop to extract a ransom from the English.
The captive Alfege is concerned that the night ahead does not bode well for England.
Ethelred is uncertain how to react to the kidnapping; but when Canute's Page arrives with a ransom demand the English people are determined to fight for the return of their Archbishop and Ethelred is swayed by their force. The Danish boy is determined to save Alfege. In their encampment the Danes are drinking while they wait for payment. Canute has given the English until sunset and is certain that Alfege wants all people to live together in peace and, at Thorkell's suggestion, he tries to explain this to the Danes. Dawn breaks and Alfege, determined that Angland shall not pay for its Archbishop, incites the Danes to kill him. Alfege is killed. The Danish boy returns as the English are heard in the distance and the Danes retreat to their ship. The English people arrive to fight but are stunned at the sight of Alfege's body which they revere.
As the Danish ship sails away the Danes say they will return to claim their payment. The death of Alfege, however, has renewed the people's will to strive for individual freedom, and his name is glorified.
Peter Foster
Alfege: Opera For Children In Two Acts
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Publisher: unpublished
Location: ref library
Format: vocal score
Location: ref library
Format: vocal score