The beggars' opera
By: by John Gay ; the full text of the 1777 edition, reprinted in connection with the performances of a new musical version realised from the original airs by Benjamin Britten
Contributors: Guthrie, Tyrone, 1900-1971, librettist; Britten, Benjamin, 1913-1976; Crozier, Eric; John Milton and Ruth Neils Ward Collection (Harvard Theatre Collection)
Publisher: English Opera Group
Published: 1948
Place of publication: [London?]
Language: eng
Number of pages: 68
Subjects: Operas; Librettos
Work titles: Beggar's opera
Notes: Original ballad opera in 3 acts, with words and music by John Gay, first performed in London at Lincoln’s Inn Fields, 29 January 1728; 1777 edition of libretto published in connection with productions at Drury Lane and Covent Garden; this realization of the music by Benjamin Britten, with alterations and additions to libretto by Tyrone Guthrie, first performed in Cambridge at the Arts Theatre, 24 May 1948. Cf. Grove music online.

Introduction includes essay on John Gay by Eric Crozier.