Veritable Michael - a podcast opera

Welcome to the last episode of Veritable Michael — a podcast opera. This Episode is an audio version of the complete opera. If you are joining us here and would like to learn more about the research and making of this opera, go back and listen to our earlier episodes. If you've been with us from the start, it's time for you to meet the man himself, Michael Field. Veritable Michael is a Shadow Opera production. Music composed by Tom Floyd. Words by Michael Field. Created an...

Michael Field is in seclusion. Katherine and Edith and their beloved dog settle into their London home to write for each other. They set their sights on a future audience by committing every word they wrote to be preserved and published. Episode Lyrics A window full of ancient things, and while, Lured by their solemn tints, I crossed the street, A face was there that in its tranquil style, Almost obscure, at once remote and sweet, Moved me by pleasure of...

Michael Field’s career is heading south — can the premiere of their first staged play turn things around? More drama occurs as Edith’s father goes missing in the Alps. EPISODE LYRICS BEFORE QUESTION OF MEMORY K.B. New Year’s eve, 1892 There is much to make this year close in cynicism. We have published two books that have been received with silence or with hate. Most of our friends are further from us than last year. The man we love is stamped and sealed another’s. Still I feel that much o...

Michael Field is the toast of the town. They are rubbing shoulders with Oscar Wilde — he’s a fan! Edith falls for another. What will this mean for Michael Field? EPISODE LYRICS EDITH'S WALTZ We go into our bedroom which leads from the salon — it looks impossible at first sight — so small a bed. We have a sense we are beginning a life in which the impossible becomes possible. As I pass through the door Bernhard says “How charming you are looking” and I feel an a...

Michael Field is born. Katherine and Edith publish their first plays to a positive critical reception. Robert Browning simply must know who Michael Field is! They are revealed. EPISODE LYRICS EDITH'S LETTER Dear Mr. Browning, I cannot thank you for the words you have written. Such words as yours give more abundant life: to expend it in higher, more reverent effort is the only true gratitude possible. As to myself and my part in the book — to make all cl...

Michael Field is in rehearsal. Will their first play to be staged be a triumph? We return to the very beginning and explore Katherine’s and Edith’s pre-Michael Field lives. This podcast captures the making of Veritable Michael, a new opera based on the true story of Katherine Bradley and Edith Cooper — two Victorian poets who lived, loved and wrote under the pseudonym, Michael Field. This podcast combines Katherine's and Edith's journals, poetry and letters with an original score by Tom Flo...