The Martyrdom of St Magnus

The Martyrdom of St Magnus is a chamber opera in one act (with nine scenes) by the British composer Peter Maxwell Davies. The libretto, by Davies himself, is based on the novel Magnus by George Mackay Brown. The opera was first performed in St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall, Orkney on 18 June 1977.

The Martyrdom of St Magnus
Chamber opera by Peter Maxwell Davies
The composer in 2012
LibrettistPeter Maxwell Davies
Based onGeorge Mackay Brown's novel Magnus
Premiere
18 June 1977 (1977-06-18)

Roles

Role Voice type Premiere cast, 18 June 1977[1]
Conductor: Peter Maxwell Davies
Earl Magnus/Prisoner tenor Neil Mackie
Norse Herald/Litolf/Keeper of the Loom baritone Brian Rayner Cook
Welsh Herald/Tempter baritone Michael Rippon
Earl Hakon/Officer bass Jan Comboy
Blind Mary mezzo-soprano Mary Thomas

Synopsis

The opera tells the story of Magnus Erlendsson, Earl of Orkney, who became a Christian saint and martyr. The nine scenes are entitled: 1. The Battle of Menai Strait; 2. The Temptations of Magnus; 3. The Curse of Blind Mary; 4. The Peace Parley; 5.Magnus's Journey to the Isle of Egilsay; 6.Earl Hakon plots to murder Magnus; 7. The Reporters; 8. The Sacrifice; 9. The Miracle.

References

  1. Casaglia, Gherardo (2005)."The Martyrdom of St Magnus, 18 June 1977". L'Almanacco di Gherardo Casaglia (in Italian).

Further reading

  • Holden, Amanda (ed.), The New Penguin Opera Guide, New York: Penguin Putnam, 2001. ISBN 0-14-029312-4
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