Young Orpheus

by

William Copper

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Young Orpheus, taken from the children's opera "Totum Bottom", is an invocation of the famous singer who charmed death into freeing his lost beloved. Challenging sustained vocal lines for young singers, and somewhat extended range: the soprano part goes up to A, alto part down to Bb. About 3 minutes long. The live recording, by Charlene Campbell, soprano, is of the text as set in the opera; the choral text differs slightly in being more general. The text is on the serious side for young singers, but is one of the favorites of the composer's five-year old, who sings along whenever she hears it.

People say, when somebody dies, they are really gone.
    But it can't be true.
Maryann, are you really gone?
    If I clear my eyes, maybe I'll find you. 

Ah, Orpheus, where is your art gone now? 
    Where is your famous heart now?
Come show me the way.  

Let our souls
    Sing such notes,
As, sounding 
    In so saddened throats,
Will draw iron tears
    Down Death's cold cheeks,
        And make him grant what our loves seek, 

Ah, Orpheus, where is your art gone now?
    Where does your famous heart beat now? 
Ah, show me the way. 

People say, when somebody dies, they are really gone, 
    But it can't be true. 
Maryann, have you really gone?  
    If I clear my eyes, maybe I'll find you.
    
Yes, I will.   
    If death will give me a chance, 
        I will find her!

Copyright 2001 William P. Copper

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