Orfeo I
(1975) — An improvisation on a theme
Duration: 14'
For solo flute and tape
Commissioned by the BBC Transcription Services

See also Orfeo II and Orfeo III

World Premiere:  4 July 1976, Chichester Festival
James Galway, flute

Publisher:  Novello & Co Ltd

Composer's Note:

This work was originally commissioned by the BBC Transcription Service for James Galway as a work for solo flute and tape (Orfeo): all the music on the tape would be an electronically treated recording of James Galway playing a variety of different flutes. It was first performed by him in this version in 1976.

Orfeo II was written shortly after, and here all the music on the tape was distributed amongst 15 strings.

Though this work is intended as a concert piece, it was also projected as a ballet for solo male dancer. It is a simple retelling of the famous legend. The flute (and dancer) represent Orfeo; all the other elements and characters in the story are represented by the music on the tape or on the strings. In any staged version they must remain invisible, though their presence can be indicated by lighting effects or even projections: Orfeo's journey to the underworld exists only in his imagination. To heighten the effect of this separation of reality and imagination, much of the music of Euridice, the Furies, the Shades, is suggested by "memory elements" that is, quotations from the Orfeo of Gluck. They are woven into the fabric of the music. The whole work is thus focussed on Orfeo; on his mourning for Euridice and his vain attempts to recover her. In the end he has to resign himself to her loss.

Scenario:

1. Orfeo laments.
   Orfeo stands alone on the banks of the river Styx and grieves for Euridice. He hears a distant echo of her voice and he listens. Then it disappears and Orfeo in despair pleads with Charon to ferry him across the river so that he may search for her.
   
   
2. Orfeo crosses the river Styx.
   Charon consents to listen to Orfeo's plea. The waves of the river begin to ripple and then surge up and part. Orfeo crosses to the other side.
   
   
3. Orfeo calms the Furies.
   Orfeo is confronted by the Furies and he pleads with them. They gradually quieten as they respond to his eloquence. They allow him to proceed, but on one condition...that when he finds Euridice, he must not look at her until he has returned back to the other side of the river.
   
   
4. Orfeo searches amongst the Shades.
   Orfeo searches amongst the Shades for Euridice. He hears her approaching...he steps towards her, then, remembering the words of the Furies turns decisively away from her and shields his eyes.
   
   
5. Orfeo hears Euridice's pleas.
   Orfeo hears Euridice's insistent pleas to turn and look at her...he cannot resist and he turns. Euridice vanishes forever.
   
   
6. Orfeo is attacked by the Bacchantes.
   Orfeo is at once violently attacked by the Bacchantes. he makes a last desperate plea to recover Euridice, but he finds himself back on the banks of the river Styx alone and desolate.

Recording:

Orfeo I
Patricia Spencer, flute
James Galway, flute, pre-recorded tape
Neuma 450-95

Top of Page   |   Home   |   Compositions   |   Chester Novello   |   G. Schirmer

Webmaster