Sir Harrison Birtwistle (1934-2022)

Punch and Judy (1966 -1967)

tragicomedy or tragic comedy in one act


stage work

  • General information
    • Composition date: 1966 - 1967
    • Duration: 1 h 50 mn
    • Publisher: Universal Edition
    • Commission: English Opera Group
    • Libretto (details, author):

      Stephen Pruslin (en anglais) et Iris Brendel (en allemand)

Detailed formation
  • soloists: solo soprano [Puppenpolly la sorcière] , solo mezzo-soprano [Judy la liseuse de bonne-aventure] , solo tenor [l'avocat] , 2 solo baritones [Punch (aigu), Choregos, Jack Ketch (grave)] , solo bass voice [le docteur] , 3 dancers [mimes] , 2 female dancers [mimes]
  • flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, 2 percussionists, harp, violin, second violin, viola, cello, double bass

Premiere information

  • Location:

    Royaume-Uni, Aldeburgh, Jubilee Hall


    Performers:

    David Atherton : direction, Anthony Besch : mise en scène, solistes de l'English Opera Group : Jenny Hill, Maureen Morelle, John Winfield, John Cameron, Geoffrey Chard, Wyndham Parfitt.