Man and Boy: Dada

Man and Boy: Dada is a chamber opera composed by Michael Nyman with a libretto by Michael Hastings. Released in 2005, it represents a significant intersection of Nyman's minimalist roots and his later interest in narrative, theatrical forms. The work is based on the life of the Dadaist artist Kurt Schwitters and his relationship with a young boy in post-war London. Sonically, the album features the 'Nyman Band' aesthetic: a blend of strings, saxophones, and brass playing tight, repetitive, and highly rhythmic patterns. The libretto is famously constructed from 'found' texts, including Schwitters' own poetry and mundane fragments like bus tickets, mirroring the artist's 'Merz' collage technique. Critically, it is seen as a quintessential Nyman work, showcasing his ability to turn intellectual concepts into driving, accessible, and highly cinematic music. It stands as a more playful and eccentric entry in his catalog compared to the somber tones of 'The Piano'.