Orpheus and Eurydice (Bra)

• Composer: Stijn Aertgeerts
• Instrumentation: Brass Band
• Grade: 6
• Duration: 19'30''
• Item number: BVT260

I. Prologue

The opening foreshadows the tragedy and despair to come. The music repeatedly breaks apart from unison into chaos, symbolizing the fate of Orpheus and Eurydice. The Prologue introduces the drama, like the opening of a classical Greek tragedy.

II. Methamorphes

Ovid’s Metamorphoses tells the creation and history of the world through Greek and Roman mythology, including stories of gods, mortals, and mythical creatures. The story of Orpheus and Eurydice appears in Books X and XI. The music evokes ancient Greece and ends by returning to the tragic material of the opening.

III. Ovidius Narrating

A fictionalized Ovid narrates the story, introducing the characters and setting. The tuba represents Ovid’s voice through a rubato-style cadenza.

IV. Orpheus' and Eurydice's Wedding

Eurydice, the most beautiful of the Naiad nymphs, is introduced through her theme, played by the cornet. Orpheus, gifted by Apollo with extraordinary musical powers, declares his love for Eurydice at their wedding. His theme is then presented by the trombones, flugelhorn, euphonium, and tuba.

V. Viper In The Grass

A deadly viper appears in the grass, bringing a sense of danger to the wedding. Eurydice accidentally steps on it, and the snake bites her.

VI. Snakebite

The viper’s venom kills Eurydice, leaving Orpheus devastated. Descending musical figures symbolize Eurydice’s fall into the underworld.

VII. Eurydice’s Death

The snake’s venom takes Eurydice’s life. Her body falls into Orpheus’s arms while her soul descends into the underworld.

VIII. Descending The Underworld

Orpheus begs Apollo for help in reaching the underworld and bringing Eurydice back. Moved by his devotion and music, Apollo grants him the power to begin the dangerous journey.

IX. Tartarus

Orpheus reaches Mount Tartarus, the entrance to the underworld, and begins a dangerous descent. As he approaches Hades and Persephone, their musical themes gradually become intertwined with those of Orpheus and Eurydice.

X. The Souls Of The Dead

Orpheus encounters the lost souls of the dead. They are captivated by his music, which expresses his love and grief and reaches them even in death.

XI. Cerberus

Cerberus, the three-headed guardian of the underworld, blocks Orpheus’s path. Orpheus calms the beast with his music and is allowed to pass.

XII. The Gates Of Hell

Orpheus reaches the gates of hell. Although Hades’s presence is intimidating, Orpheus remains determined to rescue Eurydice.

XIII. Styx

The River Styx separates the world of the living from the dead. A mysterious boat appears through the mist, carrying souls toward the underworld.

XIV. Charon

Charon, the ferryman of the dead, normally refuses passage to the living. Orpheus pleads with him, and his sorrow moves Charon to compassion. Charon allows him to cross the Styx.

XV. Arrival At Hades’ Palace

The boat reaches the other side after crossing the turbulent river. Orpheus sees a magnificent golden palace and is greeted by a radiant woman at its gates.

XVI. Persephone

Persephone, queen of the underworld, welcomes Orpheus. Feeling sympathy for his suffering, she decides to help him and asks Hades to hear his request.

XVII. Hades

Orpheus is brought before Hades, who is cold and dismissive. Orpheus refuses to give up and begins to play his lyre.

XVIII. A Love Beyond Death

Orpheus sings about his love and grief for Eurydice. His music moves even Hades, who summons Eurydice and allows Orpheus to ask for her return to the world of the living.

XIX. Don’t Look Back

Hades agrees to release Eurydice on one condition: Orpheus must not look back at her until they reach the surface. Doubt begins to grow in Orpheus’s mind, making him question whether Eurydice is truly following him.

XX. Et Prōtinus Illa Relāpsa Est

Overcome by doubt and emotion, Orpheus turns around. He sees Eurydice reaching for him, but she immediately disappears back into the underworld.

XXI. Eurydice Lost Forever

Orpheus realizes that his failure to trust Hades has doomed Eurydice forever. He feels responsible for losing her a second time, and all hope disappears.

XXII. Sadness And Despair

Orpheus returns to the world above filled with grief and guilt. He wanders the earth, drinking and singing about his sorrow.

XXIII. The Maenads Of Dionysus

The Maenads, wild female followers of Dionysus, encounter Orpheus. After turning away from Dionysus, Orpheus goes to Mount Pangaion to greet Apollo at dawn, where he meets the frenzied Maenads.

XXIV. Orpheus’ Death

Angered by Orpheus’s rejection of him, Dionysus sends the Maenads to punish him. In their frenzy, they tear Orpheus apart and scatter his limbs across the land.

XXV. Exodus

The Exodus concludes the Greek tragedy. It brings the story to a close, resolves the tensions of the plot, and provides the emotional release, or catharsis, central to Greek drama.

Grade: Very difficult

Composer: Stijn Aertgeerts

Style: Original & concertworks

Length: