Last updated January 2016 Copyright © Green Branch 2004 -
Artan Sleeps
Composer: Tim Porter. Musical Drama,1970
Based on the story “The Woman with the Net” by Fiona MacLeod
Artan: What does all this mean?
Bird: It is not for you to seek a meaning, but to make a song.
Early in the year 563, a dispute between the fiery Irish monk Colum (or Columba) and his tutor led to a disastrous battle, in which three thousand men died. In expiation, Colum banished himself; with twelve followers, he crossed the Moyle in a coracle, and founded a monastery on Iona in the Hebrides. From Iona, Colum’s missionaries set forth against the Picts, to teach them the Celtic Church’s message of “Peace and the oneness-
Cast list
Colum, the Saint of Iona
Artan, a Culdee of Iona
Myrdu, King of the Isle of Mist
Oona, his daughter
The Bird (represented by a woman)
Thorkeld, follower of Myrdu
Necta, follower of Myrdu
The Woman of the Caves (2 voices, unseen)
A Culdee
A Warrior
Chorus of men and women
2 Whisperers, who also play bass drums
All these persons, save only Artan, Oona, the Bird, and the Whisperers may be represented by members of the Chorus.
Orchestra
1 sopranino recorder
4 flutes
1 trumpet
2 percussion
Piano
1 piano accordian
1 celtic harp
4 violins
3 violas
3 cellos