Composer

:

Gustav Holst

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1924

Average_duration

:

51:04

At the Boar's Head is an opera composed by Gustav Holst in 1924. The opera is based on the character of Sir John Falstaff from William Shakespeare's plays Henry IV, Part 1 and Part 2. The plot revolves around Falstaff's misadventures at the Boar's Head Tavern in Eastcheap, London. The opera is divided into three movements, each of which is further divided into several scenes. The first movement, titled "The Boar's Head", introduces the audience to Falstaff and his companions as they drink and carouse at the tavern. The second movement, titled "Falstaff and Doll Tearsheet", focuses on Falstaff's relationship with Doll Tearsheet, a prostitute who frequents the tavern. The final movement, titled "The Gad's Hill Adventure", follows Falstaff and his companions as they attempt to rob a group of travelers on the road to London. One of the characteristics of At the Boar's Head is its use of English folk music. Holst incorporated several traditional English tunes into the score, including "Greensleeves" and "The Three Ravens". The opera also features a large ensemble cast, with several characters from Shakespeare's plays making appearances. At the Boar's Head premiered on May 3, 1925, at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London. The opera was well-received by audiences and critics alike, with many praising Holst's use of folk music and his ability to capture the spirit of Shakespeare's plays. Despite its initial success, At the Boar's Head has not become a staple of the operatic repertoire and is rarely performed today.

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