This page is a non-commercial research entry within the Operatic LGBTQIA+ Catalogue. It does not claim authorship, ownership, or rights over the works discussed.

All rights remain with the respective authors, composers, librettists, publishers, companies, performers, and rights holders.

For performance, purchase, licensing, recordings, or rights-related requests, please contact the official rights holders.

Entries can be corrected, updated, expanded, or removed upon request.

< Back

On the Road (subtitled a marching tune)

5:28

English

Synopsis

A political song about the ongoing feminist struggle, with lyrics that declare: "O to fight to the death with a hope through the strife / That the freedom we seek shall be ours!"

Composer

Dame Ethel Smyth (1858–1944)

Lyricist / Librettist / Playwright

Ethel Carnie Holdsworth (1886–1962)

Year of composition/publication / premiere

1913

Genre

Song

LGBTQAI+ category

Lesbian, Queer

Level of centrality

Characters

Not applicable (the opera does not contain explicitly LGBTQ+ characters; its queer significance lies with the composer)

Voice type

Baritone, Mezzo-Soprano

Pronouns

Publisher / Rights holder

The score is in the public domain and can be accessed for free via the IMSLP website (Petrucci Music Library).

Where to buy / access the work

The original work is in the public domain and is free to use.

Performance rights

For performance rights, please contact the composer and/or publisher to ensure legal compliance.