Yan Tan Tethera is a chamber opera (subtitled A Mechanical Pastoral) by the English composer Harrison Birtwistle with a libretto by the poet Tony Harrison, based on a supernatural folk tale about two shepherds, their sheep, and the Devil. It was first performed at Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, on 7 August 1986. The title comes from a traditional way of counting sheep.
Roles RoleVoice typePremiere Cast, 7 August 1986(Conductor: Elgar Howarth)Alanbaritone Omar EbrahimHannahsoprano Helen CharnockCaleb Ravenbaritone Philip DoghanPiper/Bad 'UntenorRichard Suart
References Holden, Amanda (Ed.), The New Penguin Opera Guide, New York: Penguin Putnam, 2001. Universal Edition details YouTube: Yan Tan Tethera - Harrison Birtwistle
Bibliography Adlington, Robert (2000): The Music of Harrison Birtwistle, Cambridge University Press. Beard, David (2012): Harrison Birtwistle's Operas and Music Theatre, Cambridge University Press. Cross, Jonathan (2000): Harrison Birtwistle: Man, Mind Music, Faber. Hall, Michael (1984): Harrison Birtwistle, Robson.