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| The Martyrdom of St Magnus | |
|---|---|
| Chamber opera by Peter Maxwell Davies | |
 The composer in 2012 | |
| Librettist | Peter Maxwell Davies |
| Based on | George Mackay Brown's novel Magnus |
| Premiere | 18 June 1977 (1977-06-18) St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall |
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.
Roles
| Role | Voice type | Premiere cast, 18 June 1977 Conductor: Peter Maxwell Davies |
|---|---|---|
| Earl Magnus/Prisoner | tenor | Neil Mackie |
| Norse Herald/Litolf/Keeper of the Loom | baritone | Brian Rayner Cook |
| Welsh Herald/Tempter | baritone | Michael Rippon |
| Earl Hakon/Officer | bass | Jan Comboy |
| Blind Mary | mezzo-soprano | Mary Thomas |
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
- Casaglia, Gherardo (2005). "The Martyrdom of St Magnus, 18 June 1977". L'Almanacco di Gherardo Casaglia (in Italian).
Further reading
- Holden, Amanda (ed.), The New Penguin Opera Guide, New York: Penguin Putnam, 2001. ISBN 0-14-029312-4
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