比利·巴德

"Billy Budd" was one of the most ambitious television opera productions ever embarked upon, but in the end, the effort was worth its weight in gold. Broadcast in December 1966, the opera evolves against the background of a fully studio reconstructed rigged warship, and with Charles Mackerras at the helm of an unforgettable cast. The story of innocence and evil, as originally conceived by Hermann Melville is brought to life with telling effect. Pears "Captain Vere" and Glossop's "Budd" are indeed memorable portrayals that stick in heart and mind with impressive durability.
　　The opera was originally written in four acts. In 1960 Britten revised the score substantially in preparation for a BBC broadcast, and compressed it into two acts. Britten changed Vere's first appearance after the prologue from a public speech to a private moment alone in his cabin. He eliminated Vere's appearance before the crew at the end of act 1. He made the revisions because, at the time, the singer Peter Pears could not vocally achieve all aspects of the role of Vere. Britten changed some of the structural balance from the contrasting acts 3 and 4.
　　1960 Version
　　Prologue
　　Captain Edward Fairfax Vere, an old man, reflects on his life and his time in the navy. He reflects on the conflict between good and evil, he is tormented by guilt over the case of Billy Budd on board his ship, HMS Indomitable, some years earlier.
　　Act 1
　　The crew of the Indomitable works on deck. For slipping and bumping into an officer, the Novice is sentenced to be flogged. At the same time a cutter approaches, returning from a merchant ship where it has pressed three sailors into the Royal Navy.
　　One of these sailors, Billy Budd, seems overjoyed with his situation - entirely different from the other two who are not so happy. Claggart, the Master-at-Arms, calls him "a find in a thousand," despite the slight defect of a stammer. Billy says a jaunty farewell to the Rights o' Man, his former ship, innocent of what his words imply. The officers take his words as a deliberate provocation and order the men below decks. Claggart tells Squeak, the ship's corporal, to keep an eye on Billy and give him a rough time.
　　The Novice returns from his flogging, unable to walk and helped along by a friend. Billy is shocked at the cruelty of the punishment, but is certain that if he follows the rules he will be in no danger. Dansker, an old sailor, nicknames Billy "Baby Budd" for his innocence.
　　At this point in the four-act version came the climax of Act I, in which Captain Vere appeared on deck to give a speech to the men. In the two-act version, Dansker simply tells the others Vere's nickname, "Starry Vere," and this is enough for the impulsive Billy to swear his loyalty to the unseen captain.
　　In his cabin, Captain Vere muses over classical literature. His officers enter, and they discuss the revolution in France and the mutinies in the Royal Navy sparked by French ideas of democracy. The officers warn that Billy may cause trouble, but Vere dismisses their fears and expresses his love for the men under his command.
　　Below decks the sailor