The Two Fiddlers

Libretto by the composer from a short story by George Mackay Brown (E,F,G,I,S)

S,T,2Bar,B or 5 children; children's chorus;
2.1.2.1-1.2.1.0-timp.perc(6):2glsp/marimba/xyl/4tpl.bl/2wdbl/2brandy glasses/SD/BD/tam-t/4susp.cym/cyms/choke cym/tamb/flex/referee's whistle/swannee whistle/football rattle/guiro/nightingale/beaters and scrapers including a pair of knitting needles/vln bows/plastic soapdish/brushes-pft(=metronome,plectrum)-2vln(to be played by the singers of the Two Fiddlers if possible).string quintet or sm all string orchestra-bagpipes(optional) (all instruments intended to be played by children)
The opera may also be performed with piano and two violins only.

Reduced version (Philipp Vandré):
S,T,2Bar,B; children's chorus;
trumpet, bassoon, violin 1 (=Fiddler parts),violin 2 (=Fiddler parts), viola, cello, piano, percussion(2)
(Singers and musicians are professionals, chorus is made up of children).

The story is an Orkney version of a widespread folktale. Two fiddlers are on their way home from a wedding when they encounter the trolls; Gavin escapes but Storm is drawn away to play for audiences underground. The grateful trolls grant his wish that his people should no longer have to work, but they trick him by keeping him much longer than he thinks. Meanwhile, Gavin acquires wife, children, grandchildren and material possessions; then Storm reappears, with twenty-one years gone for him in the twinkling of an eye. Reunited, the two friends go off to a party, where Storm finds that people have become utterly passive through the indulgence of the trolls, devoting their time to television, pop music and other horrors. He strikes up a new tune to break the spell and restore his people to useful activity. A celebratory haggis is piped in, and a final chorus points the moral.


Synopsis by Paul Griffiths

Poetic