The composer writes: ‘Although the words of this libretto are derived from the Shakespearean text, they are considerably re-arranged, emphasizing one aspect of the original text: King Lear and the Earl of Gloucester, men who in their prime committed errors of judgement, bringing upon themselves their own tragic destinies.’ ‘Some major characters in Shakespeare, for instance Kent, disappear completely, and Cordelia and the Fool are merged, brilliantly. The main outlines of the play are adhered to...