Composer

:

Ethel Smyth

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1913 - 1914

The Boatswain's Mate is an opera composed by Ethel Smyth, with a libretto by the composer herself. The opera was composed in 1913 and premiered on 28 January 1916 at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London. The opera is a one-act work and has three movements. The plot of The Boatswain's Mate revolves around the character of Mrs. Waters, a landlady who runs a pub near the docks. She is a strong and independent woman who is not interested in marriage. However, she is pursued by two men, Harry Benn and Ned Travers, who both want to marry her. Mrs. Waters is not interested in either of them and decides to play a trick on them. She pretends to be in love with the boatswain's mate, Albert, who is a sailor on a ship that is docked nearby. She tells Harry and Ned that she will only marry Albert and they both leave, disappointed. However, Mrs. Waters' plan backfires when Albert arrives at the pub and she realizes that she has actually fallen in love with him. They decide to get married and the opera ends with a joyful celebration. The music of The Boatswain's Mate is characterized by its lively and energetic rhythms, which reflect the bustling atmosphere of the docks. The opera also features a number of memorable melodies, including the catchy tune of Mrs. Waters' song "The Anchorage". Overall, The Boatswain's Mate is a charming and humorous opera that showcases Ethel Smyth's talent for composing engaging and entertaining music. Despite its relatively short length, the opera has remained popular and continues to be performed today.

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