For Keith Turnbull & John Hess.
First performance: 17 July 1993, Broomhill Festival.
Libretto by Dic Edwards from a tale collected by the Brothers Grimm.
"Toovey concentrated on achieving a fluent narration, moving in and out of actuality and dreamlike sequences with sureness and conviction. From the opening viola solo to the final song of the bird, his score was rich in reference to folk music the opera was well made and striking."
- The Guardian
"The Juniper Tree presents impeccable credentials concerning its integrity as theatre. Toovey's style is hard-edged and brutal, but laced with moments of unexpected sonic beauty planned in terse, explicit blocks of sound that eschewed transition for the tactics of shock therapy, the style proved a perfect match."
- The Independent
"The music is of rare lyrical intensity, plus very sensitive and rewarding writing for the voice. The structure of the opera itself kept a very tight hold on tension and momentum."
- Opera Now
A recording of this work is available on
The Juniper Tree (Largo 5141)
