Gloriana

views updated May 29 2018

Gloriana. Opera in 3 acts, Op.53, by Britten, comp. 1952–3, lib. W. Plomer after L. Strachey's Elizabeth and Essex. Commissioned by CG for coronation of Elizabeth II, who attended f.p. at CG on 8 June 1953, 6 days after her coronation. Cincinnati (concert) 1956, f. Amer. stage p. San Antonio 1984 (ENO tour).

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music MICHAEL KENNEDY and JOYCE BOURNE

Gloriana

views updated May 21 2018

Gloriana a name for Queen Elizabeth I, which is used for the character representing her in Spenser's Faerie Queene. Benjamin Britten's opera composed for the coronation of Elizabeth II (1952), was entitled Gloriana.

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable ELIZABETH KNOWLES