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Programme Note

BRIEF PROGRAMME NOTE

The basis of this work is The Devil is an Ass, Ben Jonson’s study of dubious commercial dealings and high society mores in Jacobean London. Meercraft – in the midst of a crowd of citizens – discusses his projected money-making schemes with his assistant, Everill. Following this, with Lady Tailbush, he makes commercial plans concerning a joint venture into cosmetics. She in turn noisily rejoices at the prospect of limitless prosperity. Now Frances (ignorant of her guardian’s intention to marry her) soliloquises on the subject of a husband and she arouses Wittipol’s amorous intent. The first part ends with a denunciatory bass aria by the puritanical Ananias. To gain admittance to Frances, Wittipol (disgised as a Spanish Lady) invades a brilliant reception at the house of Lady Tailbush. Frances is smuggled out of the party by the ‘Spanish Lady’. With the help of a convenient clergyman the two are quickly married, amid general rejoicing.