Ruth, the Moabitess is an opera.

The text of the book of Ruth may be found on BibleGateway.

More information may be found on ruth.purechocolate.org.uk which is embedded here:

In Ruth, the Moabitess I have in the main adhered to the record of Naomi’s and Ruth’s lives as set out in the Bible. There are however a number of departures which I mention in the sections below, and which fall into two categories:

• Additional fictional conversations have been introduced, and
• Sections from later parts of the Bible have been used to
  • provide the background to the actions
  • illustrate what would otherwise be left in the narrative

The use of the psalms of David is such an instance. It must be readily agreed that the people of Naomi’s day could not have known the songs that Ruth’s great-grandson would pen, however it must also be reckoned that they did have some songs. Now though we do not know what they are, it is certain that David would have known them, having been brought up in that very town. It is therefore not beyond the bounds of possibility that some at least of David’s own songs were modelled upon those earlier ones. Indeed, we know that he did include in his collection some earlier songs and songs of others also.

It should present the reader with little difficulty, after making a comparison of the text of the Bible with my work, to understand my reasons for the additions and departures. And, I hope, to conclude that they are not invalid. Further information is provided in the dedicated site for Ruth, the Moabitess

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