Britten Thematic Catalogue

Beta Version

BTC1082 NOYE'S FLUDDE

The Chester miracle play, set for adults' and children's voices, children's chorus, chamber ensemble and children's orchestra, op. 59
Period of composition: 27 Oct 1957 - Mar 1958
First performance: 18 Jun 1958 >>
Type of performance: Staged performance
Location: Orford Church, Aldeburgh Festival
Performance details:

Trevor Anthony The voice of God, Owen Brannigan Noye, Gladys Parr Mrs Noye, Thomas Bevan Sem, Marcus Norman Ham, Michael Crawford Jaffett, Janette Miller Mrs Sem, Katherine Dyson Mrs Ham, Marilyn Baker Mrs Jaffett, Chorus of animals and orchestra from East Suffolk schools, EOG Players

Colin Graham prod, Ceri Richards costume design, Charles Mackerras cond

Genre: Stage work
Text: Chester Miracle Play

Additional words from the writings of Bishop Synesius (ca. 373-ca. 414)

Performing forces:

Cast and orchestra

Principals: The Voice of God spkr, Noye bass-bar, Mrs Noye contr, Sem, Ham, Jaffett boy trbls, Mrs Sem, Mrs Ham, Jrs Jaffett girl sops, Mrs Noye's gossips girl sops

Chorus of animals and birds: children (SATB)

Professional ensemble: trble recorder - timp, pf (four hands), org - string quintet (2 vn, va, vc, db)

Amateur/children's orchestra: desc rec (2 parts), trbl recs, bugles in B flat (in four parts), 12 handbells in E flat, perc (bd, td, bd, tamb, cymb, trgl, whip, gong, Chinese blocks, wind machine, sandpaper, slung mugs), str (vn in three parts, va, vc in two parts, db)

Duration: 50'
Dedication: 'To my nephew and nieces, Sebastian, Sally and Roguey Welford, and my young friend Roger Duncan'

Notes

The work includes three congregational hymns:

'Lord Jesus think on me', words by Bishop Synesius, tr A.W. Chatfield, tune ('Southwell') from Damon's psalter 1579;

'Eternal Father, strong to save', words by William Whiting, tune ('Melita') by J.B. Dykes;

'The spacious firmament on high', words by Joseph Addison, set to 'Tallis's canon'.

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