The Turn of the Screw (opera)

The Turn of the Screw is an opera composed by Benjamin Britten based on the novel The Turn of the Screw by Henry James

Related Topics:
Opera - Benjamin Britten - The Turn of the Screw - Henry James

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In two acts, the opera has a prologue and sixteen scenes, each preceded by a variation on the twelve-note 'screw' theme. The ghosts have singing roles; Quint sings to the boy in mischievous ballads; Miss Jessel strikes a pose of melodramatic mourning. Children's rhymes and hymns are used to uncanny effect, and the small orchestra of thirteen players produces a remarkably varied tapestry of sound. The libretto is by Myfanwy Piper.

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The premiere was on on September 14, 1954 at the Teatro la Fenice, Venice at the biennial International Festival of Contemporary Music. It was performed by the English Opera Group. The original cast starred:

Related Topics:
September 14 - 1954 - Teatro la Fenice - Venice

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Peter Pears as Quint

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Jennifer Vyvyan as The governess

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Joan Cross as Mrs Grose

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Arda Mandikian as Miss Jessel

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Olive Dyer as Flora

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David Hemmings as Miles

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