211075 Downing Record 07 - Downing College - University of ...

Scene 3: CambridgeOur heroes and heroines enjoy a day at leisure in Cambridge. Nostalgia is heavilyin the air as couples wander at will through College grounds, and the city’s sitesand streets. Meeting up for lunch at the Mill an understandable, but – as it proves– unfortunate decision is made to go punting.The scene dramatically changes to the windswept Backs and torrential rain.Asense of foreboding fills the air.To loud cries and the noise of violent splashingAdmiral Wilson can be seen being rescued from the waters of the Cam….All goesdark: sneezing and shivering can be heard….Act 4Scene1:A stretch of quiet Fenland of waterway.As three boats glide slowly past, two cyclists can be seen wending their way alongthe towpath.All is serene and tranquil.Aspiring to ever greater speed on her bicycleChristine’s attention is momentarily diverted from the path ahead.She is catapultedspectacularly into the air, landing upside down on top of her steed in a bed ofnettles and groaning appropriately.The armada comes to a halt, and – dressed inthe manner of Florence Nightingale – Hilary, a nurse in disguise, administers tothe fallen.Christine stands up to a fanfare from the opening bars of Brahms FourthSymphony and the armada proceeds after a brief pause.Scene 2: Denver SluiceAn air of eager anticipation, mingled with dread, fills the stage again as three boatscan be seen awaiting the return crossing of the Great Ouse. Casual conversation isinterspersed with sorties to the nearby old mill for the purchase of its excellent breads,but no mention can be heard of the collecting storm clouds and the quickeningwind.The opening bars of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony set the mood.Scene 3:The Great OuseTo the accompaniment of drum rolls and music from Sibelius’”The Tempest” wewitness one of the more dramatic scenes from the opera as Captain Billing strivesagainst insuperable obstacles, lashing rain, failing light, and a stormy wind to headfor Slater’s Lode.To the sound of triumphal passages from Wagner’s “The Ride ofthe Valkyries” he successfully makes port. Wagner gives way Beethoven and thethanksgiving after the storm from his Pastoral Symphony.39