Resource Center: Opera 24/7
Owen Wingrave
Readings
- Cooke, Mervyn. 1999. The Cambridge Companion to Benjamin Britten. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. The Cambridge Companion provides a comprehensive guide to all of Britten’s work.
- James, Henry. 2004. Owen Wingrave. Kessinger Publishing. Read the original classic the opera is based on.
- Piper, Myfanwy. 1973. Owen Wingrave Libretto.
- Seymour, Clair. 2007. The Operas of Benjamin Britten: Expression and Evasion. Boydell Press, An examination of Britten’s operas focusing on the tension between art as self expression and art as moral resolution in Britten’s work. This book analyzes specific operas in order to show how Britten used the medium of opera to work through his own private beliefs.
Recordings
- Britten Conducts Britten: Operas 1 by Benjamin Britten, English Chamber Orchestra, and London Symphony Orchestra (CD - 2004)
- Britten: Owen Wingrave by Coleman-Wright, Opie, Glichrist, and Britten (CD - 2008)
The newest recording of Owen Wingrave. Features Robin Leggate, who will return to Chicago Opera Theater as Sir Philip Wingrave.
- Benjamin Britten - Owen Wingrave / Margaret Williams, Gerald Finley, Deutsches Symphonie Orchester Berlin (DVD - 2005)
The 2001 remake of the BBC’s television opera. Starring Gerald Finley and Peter Savidge. Followed by a wonderful video providing insight into the life of Britten. You can also find this DVD on Netflix!
Resources
- Britten-Pears Foundation provides a hub of information about the musical legacy of composer Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears. View information about his music, in particular the origins of the TV opera Owen Wingrave, and Britten’s biography.
- Henry James - Brief biography accompanied by links to James’ works.
