Written 1976 Composer Peter Maxwell Davies Language English | First performance 18 June 1977 Librettist Peter Maxwell Davies Adapted from Magnus | |
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Based on George Mackay Brown's novel Magnus Premiere 18 June 1977 (1977-06-18)
St. Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall Similar The Lighthouse, Eight Songs for a Mad King, Kommilitonen!, Death in Venice, Albert Herring | ||
The Martyrdom of St Magnus is a chamber opera in one act (with nine scenes) by the British composer Peter Maxwell Davies. The libretto, by Davies himself, is based on the novel Magnus by George Mackay Brown. The opera was first performed in St. Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall, Orkney on 18 June 1977.
Synopsis
The opera tells the story of Magnus Erlendsson, Earl of Orkney, who became a Christian saint and martyr. The nine scenes are entitled: 1.The Battle of Menai Strait; 2.The Temptations of Magnus; 3.The Curse of Blind Mary; 4.The Peace Parley; 5.Magnus's Journey to the Isle of Egilsay; 6.Earl Hakon plots to murder Magnus; 7.The Reporters; 8.The Sacrifice; 9.The Miracle.
References
The Martyrdom of St Magnus Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA