The fabled Orpheus of Greek mythology was a bard from Thrace. Though there is some debate about whether Orpheus was a real person, the myths surrounding him are legendary. He epitomizes the height of musical ability, as it was said his heavenly voice and lyre could charm all living things.
The Legacy of Orpheus begins with the death of Orpheus's wife, Eurydice, who is then taken to the underworld. Orpheus then makes the perilous journey to save her. Through music, he is able to sway the hearts of Cerberus, the gatekeeper of the underworld, and even the gods themselves, Hades and Persephone. Hades makes a deal with Orpheus that if he can walk out of the underworld without looking back, Eurydice will follow behind him. Orpheus succumbed to doubt as he walked, thinking he had been tricked. He turned to see Eurydice had been following him but was now swept back into Hades' grasp for eternity.
This piece offers many opportunities for the ensemble to work in choirs while allowing for virtuosic solo moments. The piece is a Grade 3 with the standard instrumentation and a Grade 4 with the optional instrumentation, which provides additional harmonic depth as the 3rd/4th horns and 3rd trombone extend into the low range. This piece was written for and premiered by the University of Alabama Concert Band in February 2022.
The fabled Orpheus of Greek mythology was a bard from Thrace. Though there is some debate about whether Orpheus was a real person, the myths surrounding him are legendary. He epitomizes the height of musical ability, as it was said his heavenly voice and lyre could charm all living things.
The Legacy of Orpheus begins with the death of Orpheus's wife, Eurydice, who is then taken to the underworld. Orpheus then makes the perilous journey to save her. Through music, he is able to sway the hearts of Cerberus, the gatekeeper of the underworld, and even the gods themselves, Hades and Persephone. Hades makes a deal with Orpheus that if he can walk out of the underworld without looking back, Eurydice will follow behind him. Orpheus succumbed to doubt as he walked, thinking he had been tricked. He turned to see Eurydice had been following him but was now swept back into Hades' grasp for eternity.
This piece offers many opportunities for the ensemble to work in choirs while allowing for virtuosic solo moments. The piece is a Grade 3 with the standard instrumentation and a Grade 4 with the optional instrumentation, which provides additional harmonic depth as the 3rd/4th horns and 3rd trombone extend into the low range. This piece was written for and premiered by the University of Alabama Concert Band in February 2022.
