Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)

The Prodigal Son (1968)

Third Parable for Church performance


stage work

  • General information
    • Composition date: 1968 - 1968
    • Duration: 1 h 12 mn
    • Publisher: Faber Music
    • Opus: 81
    • Dedication: 'To Dmitri Shostakovich'
    • Libretto (details, author):

      William Plomer, d’après Le Nouveau Testament

Detailed formation
  • soloists: 2 solo tenors [the Tempter/Abbot, the Younger Son] , 1 solo bass-baritone [the Father] , 1 solo baritone [the Elder Son]
  • adult and children choir(5 sopranochild voice, 3 tenor, 3 baritone, 2 bass voice [chœur des servants])
  • 1 alto flute (also 1 piccolo), 1 horn, 1 trumpet, 1 percussionist, 1 harp, 1 organ [de chambre] , 1 viola, 1 double bass

Premiere information

  • Date: 10 June 1968
    Location:

    Aldeburgh Festival, Oxford Church


    Performers:

    English Opera Group, direction : Benjamin Britten ; production : Colin Graham.