Composer

:

Stephen McNeff

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Average_duration

:

18:29

"The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck" is a children's opera composed by Stephen McNeff. It was first premiered on July 15, 2016, at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham, UK. The opera is based on the classic children's book by Beatrix Potter, which tells the story of a duck named Jemima who wants to hatch her own eggs and raise her own family. The opera is divided into two acts, with a total of 14 musical numbers. The first act introduces the audience to Jemima and her desire to find a safe place to lay her eggs. She meets a charming fox who offers to help her, but his true intentions are revealed when he invites her to his home for dinner. The second act sees Jemima narrowly escaping the fox's clutches and finding a new home with a kind farmer. The music of "The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck" is playful and whimsical, with a mix of classical and folk influences. McNeff's score features a variety of instruments, including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. The vocal lines are often melodic and catchy, with memorable refrains that are sure to delight young audiences. One of the key characteristics of the opera is its use of puppetry. The production features a variety of puppets, including a life-sized Jemima Puddle-Duck and a fox puppet operated by two performers. The use of puppetry adds an extra layer of charm and whimsy to the production, making it a truly magical experience for children and adults alike. Overall, "The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck" is a delightful children's opera that captures the spirit of Beatrix Potter's beloved story. With its playful music, charming characters, and inventive use of puppetry, it is sure to enchant audiences of all ages.

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