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The Libretto
The original libretto was written in French, translated into German and, later, into English. The only available English translation was written in archaic language and makes comprehension for today's audiences virtually impossible. The new translation has created a text for singers which is also accessible and clear to the audience whilst ensuring that none of the drama nor the story, which was penned by Harry Brewster, is lost. The task has entailed examining the original French and German versions of the opera and creating a new version from this original material. Amanda Holden is one of the most experienced and celebrated opera translators in the UK. The founding editor of the Viking Opera Guide, in 2004 she worked on Don Giovanna and Falstaff at English National Opera, Rossini's Love's Labours Lost and Rachmaninoff's Franceska da Rimini at Opera North. 2005 saw her take on the work of a new production of La Clemenza di Tito at English National Opera and Carmen at the Royal Albert Hall.
The Score
Smyth wrote an orchestral score of Wagnerian proportions and therefore a reduction of orchestral forces had to be undertaken to accommodate Duchy Opera's venue, The Hall for Cornwall in Truro. This is a process that is quite common for works of the standard repertoire as it provides regional and local access to great works which would otherwise not be heard outside main cities with large opera houses. Score reduction does not mean a reduction of quality or impact of orchestration. It is a highly skilled and delicate job, but when carried out correctly, enables productions to be staged in venues other than large opera houses enabling smaller communities access to opera. Tony Burke of Pocket Opera has agreed to undertake this work on behalf of Duchy Opera. Tony is a highly skilled specialist whose background is as an orchestral player. In 2004/2005 Tony worked on an adaptation of Maria Stuarda for English Touring Opera, The Pearl Fishers for Kendal Opera, The Tales of Hoffman for Royal Sutton Opera, Falstaff for New Sussex Opera and Wiener Blut for Clonter Opera.
Duchy Opera has been granted permission from David Higham Associates, representatives of the Estate of Ethel Smyth to proceed with the translation of the libretto and the reduced orchestration of the music score as outlined above.
Copies of the Libretto will be available to purchase from Duchy Oper.The cost will be £5 |
