Composer

:

George Benjamin

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

2006

Average_duration

:

36:58

'Into the Little Hill' is a chamber opera composed by George Benjamin with a libretto by Martin Crimp. The work was premiered on 15 June 2006 at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London, performed by the London Sinfonietta and conducted by the composer. The opera is divided into two movements and is scored for two singers (mezzo-soprano and contralto) and 15 instrumentalists. The first movement tells the story of a politician who promises to rid a village of a rat infestation, but instead hires a mysterious stranger to play the role of the Pied Piper. The second movement depicts the aftermath of the politician's betrayal, as the villagers turn on the stranger and his daughter. The music of 'Into the Little Hill' is characterized by Benjamin's use of intricate rhythms, colorful harmonies, and a wide range of instrumental textures. The vocal writing is highly expressive, with the singers often using extended techniques such as whispering, speaking, and shouting to convey the drama of the story. Overall, 'Into the Little Hill' is a haunting and thought-provoking work that explores themes of power, betrayal, and the consequences of our actions. Its premiere was met with critical acclaim, and it has since become a staple of the contemporary opera repertoire.

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