Billy Budd runs at the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House from February 7—13. Context is everything, so get even closer to Glyndebourne Festival Opera's spectacular production with this curated selection of articles, videos, and original blog pieces related to the show. For those of you who've already seen it, help us keep the conversation going by telling us what you thought below.
Before the Show
Visit these links for a quick introduction to the composer, the work, and the production.
Synopsis
On Billy Budd(Glyndebourne.com)
Familiarize yourself with the story of Billy Budd before the show.
Video
Billy Budd: Behind the Scenes (YouTube)
The Billy Budd creative team discusses the show’s lighting design, “ribcage-like” set, and more.
Article
"Billy Budd: The Far-Shining Sail" (BAM Blog)
Step aboard the 74-gun HMS Indomitable in this historically grounded introduction to the opera.
Video
On the Origins of Billy Budd (BrittenPears.org)
The seeds for Billy Budd were planted in Britten's Suffolk childhood.
More on Benjamin Britten
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| Benjamin Britten at the piano |
The Britten Audio Sampler (Britten100.org)
In the mood for a certain tempo? Instrument? Literary slant? Let this Britten jukebox do the rest.
Video
Patrick Stewart on Benjamin Britten (Britten100.org)
The actor fancies himself a Britten countertenor and discusses the authenticity of certain Britten recordings.
Website
Britten @ 100 (Britten100.org)
Visit the official homepage of Britten centennial celebrations around the world.
Video
Britten and Peter Pears Discuss Die Winterreise (YouTube)
Rare footage of Britten and longtime partner Pears discussing Schubert’s late song cycle.
Video
The Britten-Pears Story (YouTube)
Learn more about one of the twentieth century's most celebrated musical partnerships.
Article“How Billy Budd reflects the composer's own turbulent times” (The Independent)
In Billy Budd, Britten “tapped into the sense of persecution and otherness” that haunted him his entire life.
Video
1966 BBC Performance of Billy Budd (YouTube)
Britten’s longtime partner, Peter Pears, stars in this televised performance.
Article
Secret Desires at the Heart of Billy Budd (The New York Times)
Zachary Woolfe ponders the hidden rules of attraction governing Britten's masterpiece.
Now Your Turn. . .Video
From the epilogue of the 1966 BBC telecast of the opera.
Interview
Interview with Baritone Duncan Rock (Glyndebourne.com)
Rock discusses Billy Budd's testosterone quotient, winning the Chilcott Award, and more.
Interview
Interview with Baritone Duncan Rock (Glyndebourne.com)
Rock discusses Billy Budd's testosterone quotient, winning the Chilcott Award, and more.
So what's your verdict? Has justice been served at sea? Once you've seen the show, tell us what you thought in the comments below.