| Yan Tan Tethera A Mechanical Pastoral | |
|---|---|
| Opera by Harrison Birtwistle | |
&sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:Harrison_Birtwistle_(cropped).jpg) The composer in 2008 | |
| Librettist | Tony Harrison |
| Language | English |
| Based on | folk tale |
| Premiere | 7 August 1986 Queen Elizabeth Hall, London |
Yan Tan Tethera is a chamber opera (subtitled A Mechanical Pastoral) by the English composer Harrison Birtwistle with a libretto by the poet Tony Harrison, based on a supernatural folk tale about two shepherds, their sheep, and the Devil. It was first performed at Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, on 7 August 1986. The title comes from a traditional way of counting sheep.