IV. Guinevere

Daughters of Britannia - Iain Bell (texts by the composer)

Diana Damrau - soprano
Julius Drake - piano

IV. GUINEVERE
King Arthur's mythical realm of Camelot

Guinevere was the wife of King Arthur in the mythical realm of Camelot. Though in love with her husband she was entangled in a romantic affair with Lancelot, one of Arthur's Knights of the Round Table. This song tells of her love for both men, and her inability to end her ruinous, adulterous relationship.

A mage once warned my husband of my like,
But vows cannot contain nor tame.
Deny I not my King in love and duty,
But love not passion makes.

A gallant glance requited melt my knight and I in fire.
Can bare I not, nor he to be in others' company.
Driven wild by jealous spurnings.

Such yearnings sound a discord in our nations hymn.
For I have reason, yet cannot desist in such a ruinous adventure.
Stone by stone, this kingdom crumbles,
A hollowed heart now pines its honour.

Demons be they resident within this vessel?
Be it so?
Be gone, avaunt thee!
Your maid no longer!
One Prince I answer.
Dark demon not, nor a knight, nor a King.

But love
So sooner'd snuff my soul than see him die.

http://www.iain-bell.com
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Category:

Music

Tags:

• Iain Bell
• Diana Damrau
• Julius Drake
• Daughters of Britannia
• Guinevere

[maggeo78]

Dear Iain, thank you so much for sharing your music with us!!!!

I love the music you write for Diana!!!!