Composer

:

Benjamin Britten

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1954

Average_duration

:

105:28

Movement_count

:

17

Movement ....

"Turn of the Screw" is a chamber opera composed by Benjamin Britten in 1954. The opera is based on the novella of the same name by Henry James. The plot revolves around a young governess who is hired to take care of two children, Miles and Flora, in a remote country estate. The governess soon begins to see apparitions of the former governess and her lover, who had died under mysterious circumstances. She becomes convinced that the ghosts are trying to possess the children and decides to protect them at all costs. The opera premiered on September 15, 1954, at the Teatro La Fenice in Venice, Italy. It was conducted by Britten himself and directed by Luigi Squarzina. The opera was well-received by critics and audiences alike, and it has since become one of Britten's most popular works. "Turn of the Screw" is composed of 16 movements, divided into two acts. The music is characterized by Britten's use of dissonant harmonies and eerie, atmospheric textures. The vocal writing is challenging, with many intricate ensemble passages and demanding solos for the soprano and tenor leads. One of the most notable characteristics of the opera is its ambiguity. The audience is left to decide whether the ghosts are real or simply a figment of the governess's imagination. This ambiguity is reflected in the music, which often blurs the line between reality and fantasy. Overall, "Turn of the Screw" is a haunting and atmospheric opera that explores themes of innocence, corruption, and the supernatural. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Britten's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both challenging and accessible.

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