Score
Eurydice : for mezzo-soprano and piano / Evan Lawson.
Library shelf no. 782.1/LAW 4 [Available for loan]
Work Overview
My 2019 opera Orpheus preoccupied my thoughts for many years during its conception. One key aspect of this story that I wanted to explore was the way this myth has been depicted in opera throughout history. Traditionally, these interpretations center Orpheus as the protagonist, often rendering Eurydice as a one-dimensional, subordinate figure. She frequently appears as a victim of violence, manipulated at Orpheus' beck and call. In my version, I sought to give her clear agency and authority over her own body.
This song cycle is an amalgamation of two of her arias: the first, at figure B, marks her initial encounter with Orpheus in the opera; the second, at figure E, depicts her soul leaving her body after her murder.
The opening song of the cycle is a newly composed section, portraying Eurydice spinning the thread for her wedding garments in the lead-up to her marriage with Orpheus.
My goal is for this work to function as its own opera-one that can be performed concurrently with Orpheus or stand alone as an independent exploration of Eurydice's character and multiple lives.
Work Details
Year: 2024
Instrumentation: Mezzo-soprano, piano.
Duration: 14 min.
Difficulty: Advanced — Contains some extended vocal techniques
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