Herman Melville's classic story of persecution and misplaced justice in the British navy is adapted for the operatic stage in this production, with libretto by E.M. Forster and Eric Crozier, and music by Benjamin Britten. Billy Budd stars Philip Langridge, Thomas Allen, Neil Howlett, and Richard Van Allen; David Atherton conducts the English National Opera Orchestra, and Tim Albery directs. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi