The Turn of the Screw was composed in 1954, based on the densely written Victorian ghost story by Henry James. With its 16 scenes plus prologue in two acts, it is definitely an opera to be seen, as well as heard. Britten intended, in fact, for the work to exist as a live opera, not to be listened to only for its music. Only three recordings of The Turn of the Screw even exist, one of which was conducted by Britten himself. As scenes from the Minnesota Opera's production demonstrate, the dramatically stunning visuals are a highlight of the opera.