Paul Bunyan (operetta)

Paul Bunyan was a "choral operetta" composed by Benjamin Britten with lyrics by W. H. Auden.

Related Topics:
Benjamin Britten - W. H. Auden

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Britten and Auden had moved to the United States to escape the war in Europe; this operetta is something of a capsule summary of the history of their new home. It begins with a chorus of trees and geese and progresses to the arrival of lumberjacks organized by Paul Bunyan. By the second act, some of the lumberjacks have become farmers and by the end of the show, they are all members of industrial society.

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The music is based on a wide variety of American styles, including folk songs, blues and hymns.

Related Topics:
Folk songs - Blues - Hymn

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It premiered at Columbia University in 1941 to largely negative reviews. Britten revised the operetta in 1976, and this version is occasionally performed.

Related Topics:
Columbia University - 1941 - 1976

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