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The concept of word magic has fascinated humans for centuries. From ancient civilizations to modern times, people have believed in the power of words to influence reality and bring about change. It is no wonder then, that the idea of a word magic book, a tome filled with potent words and incantations, has captured the imagination of many. A word magic book is a collection of spells, enchantments, and rituals, all centered around the power of language. It is believed that by uttering specific words in a certain order and with a particular intent, one can tap into the hidden forces of the universe and bend them to their will. Words, in this context, are seen as more than mere vessels for communication, but as tools to shape the fabric of reality itself.

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.

Words, in this context, are seen as more than mere vessels for communication, but as tools to shape the fabric of reality itself. The contents of a word magic book can vary greatly. Some books focus on simple spells for everyday purposes, such as attracting love or warding off evil spirits.

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.

Others delve into more complex and esoteric knowledge, exploring the intricacies of incantations and invocations that can summon forth the very essence of supernatural beings. Aside from instructions on how to perform spells, a word magic book often contains explanations of the underlying principles and theories behind the magic. These can include discussions on the nature of language, the power of intention, and the connection between words and symbols. Some books may even delve into the philosophy and metaphysics of magic, exploring the concepts of energy manipulation and the interplay of the physical and spiritual realms. However, the true power of a word magic book lies not in its contents alone, but in the intention and belief of the user. While the words and rituals may provide a framework, it is the user's internal state and focus that ultimately determines the success of their magical endeavors. As such, a word magic book is not just a collection of spells, but a guide to personal transformation and empowerment. In recent times, the popularity of word magic books has grown, with many authors and practitioners sharing their knowledge and experiences in this field. Books like "The Complete Book of Spells and Incantations" and "The Magical Language of Words" have become best-sellers, appealing to both beginners and seasoned practitioners alike. In conclusion, a word magic book is a powerful tool that enables individuals to tap into the hidden forces of the universe through the use of words and language. It offers a glimpse into the mysteries of the world, providing instructions and insights into the practice of magic. Whether one believes in the literal power of words or sees them as symbolic representations of deeper truths, a word magic book offers a path to personal transformation and empowerment..

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