In the 20th century, English opera began to assert more independence, with works of Ralph Vaughan Williams and in particular Benjamin Britten, who in a series of works that remain in standard repertory today, revealed an excellent flair for the dramatic and superb musicality. More recently Sir Harrison Birtwistle has emerged as one of Britain's most significant contemporary composers from his first opera Punch and Judy to his most recent critical success in The Minotaur. In the first decade of the 21st century, the librettist of an early Birtwistle opera, Michael Nyman, has been focusing on composing operas, including Facing Goya, Man and Boy: Dada, and Love Counts. Today composers such as Thomas Adès continue to export English opera abroad.. The Viking Opera Guide articles on Blow, Purcell and Britten.
in the 20th century english opera began to assert more independence with works of ralph vaughan williams and in particular benjamin britten who in a series of works that remain in standard repertory today revealed an excellent flair for the dramatic and superb musicality more recently sir harrison birtwistle has emerged as one of britain's most significant contemporary composers from his first opera punch and judy to his most recent critical success in the minotaur in the first decade of the 21st century the librettist of an early birtwistle opera michael nyman has been focusing on composing operas including facing goya man and boy dada and love counts today composers such as thomas adès continue to export english opera abroad the viking opera guide articles on blow purcell and britten