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Oral history: Sir Charles Mackerras

Sir Charles Mackerras recalls conducting The Turn of the Screw for the EOG


Sir Charles explains how he became the English Opera Group's conductor after a disagreement between Norman del Mar and Britten over a particularly tricky time signature in The Turn of the Screw. In 1958 Charles Mackerras conducted the first performance of Noye's Fludde and, the following year, Peter Morley's television production of The Turn of the Screw.

The excerpt from the opera is taken from Britten's 1955 Decca recording, featuring Peter Pears as Quint and the EOG Orchestra. The excerpt, and images of Britten's composition draft, are courtesy of Boosey & Hawkes Ltd. Sir Charles Mackerras was filmed in conversation with Richard Jarman on 21 April 2009. © Britten–Pears Foundation 2011.

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Sir Charles Mackerras recalls conducting The Turn of the Screw for the EOG