Horne, David

Travellers (1994)

Duration: 42 minutes
Chamber Opera in one act

Libretto by AN Wilson (E)

Scoring
S,M,T,Bar,B fl(=picc,afl).cl(=bcl)-perc(1):timp/cym/crot/susp.cym/vib/mar/tpl.bl- pft-vln.vla.vlc.db.
Abbreviations (PDF).

Territory
This work is available from Boosey & Hawkes for the world.

World Premiere
6/1/1998
Cochrane Theatre, London
Tom Smith, director
Conductor: Paul McGrath
Company: Musicians from Trinity College of Music

Roles

THE DOG	Baritone
KATE	Mezzo-Soprano
ANDY	Baritone
JAN	Soprano
JACK, the policeman	Tenor
FARMER	Bass

Time and Place
England, Now

Synopsis

Three travellers, Kate and Andy, a couple, and Jan with her dog Topher, are heading towards Glastonbury. They have just been moved on by the police, and bemoan their lives, arguing with each other. Only a barking dog to the others, Topher's commentaries suggest he isn't what he seems. As they reconcile not to fight among themselves, a policeman enters unexpectedly. As they jeer him, it turns out the policeman has been following them, out of curiosity at first, but has become attracted to Jan. He relates his life history, his dissatisfaction with the life of a police officer, and how he has decided to join the Travellers. Despite Kate and Andy's initial scepticism, Jan reciprocates his affection and he is eventually accepted by the others, while the dog becomes increasingly animated. A farmer enters the scene, forcing the Travellers to move on, but they abandon the barking dog. In the final section, the dog reveals his identity to the farmer as St. Christopher, patron saint of travellers. Ironically, the travellers have abandoned him, so he remains on the farm, lamenting the fact that they have no more need of him.
David Horne

Moods
Poetic

Subjects
Contemporary, Environment, Society