Granville Bantock (1868-1946) has largely been forgotten in 20th-century British music except in Birmingham. A prolific composer, his significant works include four symphonies and nine operas, among which The Seal Woman stands out as a Celtic folk opera. The 1924 premiere was notable for being the Birmingham Repertory Theatre's inaugural production. Librettist Marjory Kennedy-Fraser's text, based on folk songs from the Western Isles, is central to the opera. However, while the music beautifully preserves these melodies, the overall dramatic impact of The Seal Woman feels dated and lacks engagement, regardless of a strong cast and conductor's efforts.
Even though the melodies and texts possess beauty, The Seal Woman seems faded and uninvolving, despite the careful efforts of the cast and conductor.
Bantock, a prolific composer, is mostly remembered for his Celtic folk opera The Seal Woman, and by lesser extent, for co-founding the CBSO.
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