Yan Tan Tethera (opera)

Yan Tan Tethera is a chamber opera (subtitled A Mechanical Pastoral) by the English composer Harrison Birtwistle with a libretto by the poet Tony Harrison, based on a supernatural folk tale about two shepherds, their sheep, and the Devil. It was first performed at Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, on 7 August 1986. The title comes from a traditional way of counting sheep.

Yan Tan Tethera A Mechanical Pastoral
Opera by Harrison Birtwistle
The composer in 2008
Librettist	Tony Harrison
Language	English
Based on	folk tale
Premiere	7 August 1986 (1986-08-07) Queen Elizabeth Hall, London

Roles

Role	Voice type	Premiere Cast, 7 August 1986 (Conductor: Elgar Howarth)
Alan	baritone	Omar Ebrahim
Hannah	soprano	Helen Charnock
Caleb Raven	baritone	Philip Doghan
Piper/Bad 'Un	tenor	Richard Suart

References

• Holden, Amanda (Ed.), The New Penguin Opera Guide, New York: Penguin Putnam, 2001. ISBN 0-14-029312-4
• Universal Edition details
• YouTube: Yan Tan Tethera - Harrison Birtwistle

Bibliography

• Adlington, Robert (2000): The Music of Harrison Birtwistle, Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-52-102780-2
• Beard, David (2012): Harrison Birtwistle's Operas and Music Theatre, Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-52-189534-0
• Cross, Jonathan (2000): Harrison Birtwistle: Man, Mind Music, Faber. ISBN 0-57-119345-5
• Hall, Michael (1984): Harrison Birtwistle, Robson. ISBN 1-86-105235-9