The Silver Swan - Intermediate/Advanced
$1.90
Orlando Gibbons' original madrigal setting (1612) of this text is beloved by choirs. It has been suggested the poem was composed by Orlando Gibbons or his musical patron Sir Christopher Hatton. This modern setting seeks to give a new voice to this intriguing text.
The music asks for divisi in order to bring out the mysticism, drama and complexity of this text. A short aleatoric section colours the textual transition into 'death'.
The silver Swan, who, living, had no Note,
when Death approached, unlocked her silent throat.
Leaning her breast upon the reedy shore,
thus sang her first and last, and sang no more:
"Farewell, all joys! O Death, come close mine eyes!
More Geese than Swans now live, more Fools than Wise."
Contact to purchase.
Choral Catalogue
Sheet Music Home
Orlando Gibbons' original madrigal setting (1612) of this text is beloved by choirs. It has been suggested the poem was composed by Orlando Gibbons or his musical patron Sir Christopher Hatton. This modern setting seeks to give a new voice to this intriguing text.
The music asks for divisi in order to bring out the mysticism, drama and complexity of this text. A short aleatoric section colours the textual transition into 'death'.
The silver Swan, who, living, had no Note,
when Death approached, unlocked her silent throat.
Leaning her breast upon the reedy shore,
thus sang her first and last, and sang no more:
"Farewell, all joys! O Death, come close mine eyes!
More Geese than Swans now live, more Fools than Wise."
Contact to purchase.
Choral Catalogue
Sheet Music Home