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When Igor Stravinsky, inspired by the 18th-century prints of William Hogarth’s The Rake’s Progress, approached poet W.H. Auden for a libretto, one of the greatest opera collaborations came into being. Joined by Auden’s partner, Chester Kallman, the two men of words created a quirky parable in rhyme that Stravinsky fired up into some of his most striking, theatrical, and often tender music.

Tom Rakewell, egotistical and spendthrift, is lured away from the countryside and his faithful sweetheart Anne Truelove to London. He has been tricked by Nick Shadow, a Mephistophelean man, who introduces him to a new life of brothels, money-making scams, and debauchery. Where will it lead? Stravinsky’s last Neo-Classical work weaves Classical pastoral, the Faust legend, fairy tale, circus, and the Bible, with hints of Mozart, Handel and Monteverdi. The Rake’s Progress is Stravinsky at the height of his powers and is the perfect introduction to his genius.

This acclaimed semi-staged performance was recorded on 22rd March 1997 at the Royal Festival Hall, London.

Presented by Kate Molleson in conversation with Professor Jonathan Cross of the University of Oxford.

Anne Trulove . . . . . Joan Rodgers (soprano)
Tom Rakewell . . . . . Barry Banks (tenor)
Father Trulove….. Philip Ens (bass)
Nick Shadow….. William Shimell (baritone)
Mother Goose…..Susan Bickley (mezzo)
Baba the Turk…..Jane Henschel (contralto)
Sellem the Auctioneer: Robin Leggate (tenor)
Keeper of the Madhouse: Henry Waddington (bass)
Â鶹Éç Singers
Â鶹Éç Symphony Orchestra
Sir Andrew Davis (conductor)

SYNOPSIS

In the idyllic countryside, Anne Trulove and Tom Rakewell celebrate their love. Anne’s father has found a job for Tom in the city, but Tom longs for an easier path to money. Nick Shadow appears with news that Tom has inherited a fortune from an unknown uncle. They must leave for London and Tom need only pay Shadow for his services after a year and a day. In the wicked city, Shadow introduces Tom to Mother Goose’s brothel. Back in the country, Anne fears the worst and decides that she must rescue Tom.

Meanwhile, Tom, in his new London house, is already bored with ordinary pleasures, so Shadow suggests visiting the amazing bearded woman, Baba the Turk. When Anne arrives at Tom’s house, she is horrified to find him married to the hideous Baba. When Tom tires of Baba as well, Shadow appears with one last new idea… a machine that turns stones into bread. Anne again appears to save Tom, but this time his house is for sale and his property for auction. The bankrupt Tom has disappeared with Shadow. Baba urges Anne to follow him.

A year and a day from their first meeting, Shadow brings Tom to a graveyard at night. A terrified Tom discovers he must pay not with money but with his soul. But, as Shadow is about to take hold of him, Tom hears Anne’s voice in the distance and his past love is reawakened. Shadow, defeated, disappears into the ground. Tom survives, but he is now mad and is shut up in Bedlam. Anne comes there to comfort him, but there is little to be done. Her father arrives and persuades her to leave Tom to his fate.

© Boosey & Hawkes/Gerard McBurney.