It is a melodrama of a tenor singer lamenting that he'd spent his best days as a singer. By the middle of the piece, the tenor is dreaming and in deeper lament about the old days as he fades into black because he lost his voice. Toward the end of the piece, his voice comes back in a blissful uptempo spiritual and he ends his swan song in a graceful finale.
Here is the original text as it sung in concert:
My stars, my glory!
Has leapt away from me;
The harsh reality
Has darkened the very dream
No more thanks; no more bows!
No more glorious audience!
The stage once glowing bright has darkened;
The rows once filled have left.
Dear sweet voice
How I have loved you!
Dear sweet gift alone,
How once did I have you,
Under my command,
No more whirlwinds of color;
My eyes, how I cannot see!
My flooding doubts I cannot ignore
Yet the siren song
Invites me to return.
Music, sweet music of mine,
Can’t your fabric of joy
Lend me one more try?
I will be there; I will be there!
It was the magnificent privilege to have my choral director, Dr. Andrew Crane perform this work for a recital of mine. He did such an outstanding job that I must share at least the audio of this wonderful performance with you.
Vocal singers, if you'd like a copy of this sheet music, it is available via digital download here.
Take time to enjoy the video and leave me any comments or questions you have on this blog or the video. Until next time, let's keep music alive!
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