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Opera

Billy Budd

Approximate running time

BILLY BUUD, BRITTEN'S MOST FAMOUS WORK

One of the most famous works by composer Benjamin Britten, the opera is based on a novel by Herman Melville and written to a libretto by Eric Crozier and the celebrated writer E.M. Forster. First performed at the prestigious Royal Opera House in 1951, the opera was originally in four acts but was later changed to two acts with a prologue and epilogue. Set during the wars of the French Revolution, the opera's action takes place aboard the HMS Indomitable, a battleship.

HISTORY

The prologue shows Captain Edward Fairfax Vere as an old man, remembering the case of Billy Budd that took place some years earlier. Three sailors from a merchant ship have been pressed into service in the Royal Navy, but only one of them, Billy is pleased about his situation. He is called a 'find in a thousand' by the Master at Arms, Claggart - despite his stammer. Claggart tells Squeak another sailor to give Billy a hard time. Claggart tells the Novice to try to trick Billy into joining a mutiny and warns the Captain that Billy is a threat. After encountering a French ship, Claggart brings Billy before the Captain and charges him with mutiny. Billy's stammer prevents him from defending himself and he is hanged. Before he hangs he shouts 'God Bless Starry Vere' and the Captain is seen as an old man now at peace at last thanks to Billy's blessing.

Prologue

Captain Vere as an old man is thinking back on trhe case of Billy, a young sailor.

Act 1

Billy is pressed into service in the Royal Navy and despite a slight stammer is seen as a find for the crew. However, he inadvertently snubs Master at Arms Claggart, who decides to have his revenge. Billy swears loyalty to the Captain 'Starry Vere' though he hasn't met him yet. He encounters Squeak going through his things and knocks him to the ground. Claggart tells Squeak to make sure that the men give Billy a hard time below the deck. He christens him 'Budd' because he is so green and innocent.

Act 2

Claggart bribes the Novice to make Billy say that he would join in a mutiny. Billy is as always loyal to the Captain. However, after an encounter with a French warship, Claggart takes Billy before the Captain and accuses him of mutiny. Billy still stammers and can't defend himself and is sentenced to hang. Dansker brings him a drink and tells Billy that the crew are willing to mutiny to defend him but Billy has accepted his fate. Before his death he blesses the captain.

Epilogue

Vere finds peace with himself when he remembers Billy's blessing.

THE MAIN ROLES

Captain Vere - captain of battleship HMS Indomitable - tenor
Billy Budd - a young sailor pressed into service - baritone
Claggart - Master-at-arms - bass
The Novice - tenor
Squeak - a sailor - tenor

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