| Yan Tan Tethera A Mechanical Pastoral | |
| Composer: | Harrison Birtwistle |
| Image Upright: | 0.9 |
| Librettist: | Tony Harrison |
| Language: | English |
| Based On: | folk tale |
| Premiere Location: | Queen Elizabeth Hall, London |
Yan Tan Tethera is a chamber opera (subtitled A Mechanical Pastoral) by the English composer Harrison Birtwistle with a libretto by the poet Tony Harrison, based on a supernatural folk tale about two shepherds, their sheep, and the Devil. It was first performed at Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, on 7 August 1986. The title comes from a traditional way of counting sheep.
| Role | Voice type | Premiere Cast, 7 August 1986 (Conductor: Elgar Howarth) |
|---|---|---|
| Alan | baritone | Omar Ebrahim |
| Hannah | soprano | Helen Charnock |
| Caleb Raven | baritone | Philip Doghan |
| Piper/Bad 'Un | tenor | Richard Suart |