Industrial strength magic refers to the use of powerful magical abilities and resources on a large scale. It combines the principles of industrialization with the mystical power of magic to create a potent force that can shape the world in significant ways. This concept is frequently explored in fantasy literature and games, showcasing the potential of magic to revolutionize various industries and societies. In this context, industrial strength magic often involves the development of magical technologies and infrastructure to enhance productivity and efficiency. Magically powered machines and tools enable the mass production of objects, making it easier to meet the demands of a growing population. For example, enchanted looms can weave fabrics at an unprecedented speed, enabling the textile industry to flourish.
Next up: Lord, what is man?
17 And the Lord hath done to him, as he spake by me for the Lord hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighbour, even to David. 20 Then Saul fell straightway all along on the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night.
For example, enchanted looms can weave fabrics at an unprecedented speed, enabling the textile industry to flourish. Furthermore, industrial strength magic can be harnessed for transportation and communication. Magical portals or teleportation networks can effortlessly transport people and goods across vast distances, making travel easier and boosting trade.
Saul and the witch of endor pu4cell
Remains of the final battle by Jane Mackay, used with many thanks to the artist. Jane Mackay’s Sounding Art website can be found here
Saul and the witch at Endor, Z134 – Purcell realization for soprano, tenor, bass voices and piano (pre 21 November 1945, Britten aged 32)
Dedication Cuthbert Kelly, a singer who was in the New English Singers with Peter Pears
Text Anon
Language English
Duration 12′
Audio clips with thanks to Hyperion
https://goodmorningbritten.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/saul-and-the-witch-original.mp3 Original version, In guilty night, with Susan Gritton (soprano), Rogers Covey-Crump (tenor), Michael George (bass) and the King’s Consort / Robert King
https://goodmorningbritten.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/saul-and-the-witch-realization.mp3 Realization, with Sarah Walker (mezzo-soprano), John Mark Ainsley (tenor), Simon Keenlyside (baritone) and Graham Johnson (piano)
Background and Critical Reception
This is the most substantial of Britten’s Purcell realizations, and was performed for the first time in the first of the two Wigmore Hall concerts given to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the composer’s death, on 21 November 1945.
Purcell sets the Old Testament tale of King Saul of Israel, who is about to fight the Philistines but is getting desperate as his pleas to God have not been answered, and he has driven all mediums and witches from the land. In his desperation he gets his men to call on a medium from the village of Endor, asking her to raise the prophet Samuel from the dead to see what can be done. She is horrified to see her visitor is the King, but he promises not to harm her. Samuel then appears, but tells Saul he is beyond rescue and that he should prepare to die the next day. The tale ends with a sorrowful farewell, the king resigned to his fate. Although the music ends here the tale does not, with Saul and his sons perishing the next day in the Battle of Gilboa.
Purcell’s work is rare among his output, evading almost all categorisation except perhaps that of ‘dramatic scena’. Writing about the work for Hyperion, Robert King sees Purcell as encompassing elements of the devotional song, the cantata and even the oratorio. In his words, ‘The closing chorus, setting just two words, ‘Oh, Farewell’, is a magical ending to one of the most remarkable compositions of the age’.
Britten’s realization is for soprano (the witch), tenor (Saul) and bass (Samuel), with piano accompaniment – which would have been performed in the Wigmore Hall concert by Margaret Ritchie, Peter Pears and Owen Brannigan, accompanied by Britten himself.
In an extremely interesting chapter on Realizing Purcell in the book Britten’s Unquiet Pasts , published by Cambridge University Press, Heather Wiebe suggests that in Saul and the witch of Endor ‘Britten seems to have found…a site for the expression of excessive feeling, in this case shame and abandonment. She also talks of the ‘misty’ figuration of the opening, and the moment when Samuel’s ghost returns to the underworld as ‘almost disappearing off the bottom of the piano’.
On the face of it this would have been the ideal subject matter and text for Britten to set as a first Canticle – and perhaps the only reason he did not do so was because Purcell had already achieved that. Saul and the witch of Endor does nonetheless act as something of a prototype for a form he made his own.
It is an extraordinary setting. The opening notes are sparse and deeply troubled, but the moment when Samuel rises from the dead, his voice down in his boots, is truly chilling. Here the piano is also right down in the lower register, and one can sense the mists of another world that should not have been disturbed.
The tortured mental state of Saul is truly laid bare here, and Britten deliberately does not add much treble to the piano part, with much of it held well below middle ‘C’. There is brief hope in the middle section, as the witch manages to locate Samuel, but his news is bad and the final farewell harrowing in the extreme.
Purcell’s lines ensure the full dramatic potential of the story is revealed, as Saul teeters on the edge of insanity, the witch spends much of the time in fearful obedience and Samuel is vexed at his return to the world. It is a potent combination of extreme emotions, and Britten’s responsive piano part ensures that no dramatic stone is left unturned. Because of this, Saul and the witch of Endor is perhaps his boldest and most unsettling realization of Purcell to date.
Recordings used
Sarah Walker (mezzo-soprano), John Mark Ainsley (tenor), Simon Keenlyside (baritone) and Graham Johnson (piano) (Hyperion)
My personal preference would be for a performance of this to have less vibrato than the three singers here use, especially having heard the very sparse and moving interpretation from Andrew Parrott. That said, this is incredibly well sung, a powerful interpretation that is also deeply troubling, especially when Samuel comes back from the dead.
Unfortunately the version above is the only version of Britten’s realization, and is not available on Spotify. However two versions of the original can be accessed. An emotionally bare account from the Taverner Consort and Players under Andrew Taverner can be accessed here, while Alfred Deller – one of Purcell’s chief exponents in the 1940s and 1950s, takes the role of Saul here, accompanied by the Deller Consort.
Also written in 1945: Schoenberg – Prelude to Genesis Suite for Chorus and Orchestra, Op. 44
Next up: Lord, what is man?
8 And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring me him up, whom I shall name unto thee.
Magical communication devices can transmit messages instantaneously, revolutionizing the way information is shared and facilitating global communication networks. The military sector also benefits greatly from industrial strength magic. Powerful magical artifacts and weapons can be manufactured, providing a significant advantage in warfare. These magical armaments can possess devastating capabilities, such as summoning elemental forces or launching destructive spells. Entire armies can be supported and empowered with magical enhancements, influencing the course of battle and the balance of power between nations. However, industrial strength magic is not without its drawbacks and ethical considerations. The large-scale use and exploitation of magical resources can potentially lead to environmental degradation and the depletion of magical reservoirs. The rush for power and profit may also lead to the exploitation and abuse of magical creatures or the marginalization of magical beings and communities. The exploration of industrial strength magic raises thought-provoking questions about the consequences of combining magic with industrialization. It highlights the possibilities and limitations of harnessing magical forces on a grand scale. The presence of industrial strength magic in fantasy narratives often serves as a metaphor for the balance between progress and responsibility, urging us to consider the implications of our actions when wielding great power..
Reviews for "Exploring the Ethical Implications of Industrial Strength Magic"
1. John Smith - 2/5 - "I was really disappointed with 'Industrial Strength Magic'. While the concept seemed intriguing, the execution fell flat for me. The characters lacked depth and development, making it hard for me to connect with them and care about their journey. Additionally, I found the dialogue to be cliche and uninspiring. Overall, it just didn't live up to the hype for me."
2. Sarah Johnson - 3/5 - "I had high expectations for 'Industrial Strength Magic' based on the rave reviews I read, but sadly, it didn't live up to the hype. The pacing felt off, with slow sections that dragged on unnecessarily, and rushed moments that left me confused. The world-building was also underwhelming, as I couldn't fully immerse myself in the magical realm the author was trying to create. While the premise was interesting, the execution left much to be desired."
3. Michael Thompson - 2/5 - "I struggled to get through 'Industrial Strength Magic'. The plot was convoluted and confusing, with unnecessary twists and turns that didn't add much to the overall story. The writing style also didn't grab me; it felt bland and lacked the descriptive language needed to truly transport me into the magical world. I didn't feel invested in the characters or their struggles, leading to a disengaged reading experience. Unfortunately, this book wasn't for me."