Fallen Eve: I. Reveille

This is the first movement from Geoffrey Gordon's chamber vocal work, Fallen Eve (five songs after Hughes), in a performance by the Center for New Music ensemble at the University of Iowa, under the direction of David Gompper and featuring guest artist, mezzo soprano Ann Cravero. The performance dates from December 6, 2009.

I. Reveille

No, the serpent was not
One of Gods ordinary creatures.
Where did he creep from,
This legless land-swimmer with a purpose?

Adam and lovely Eve
Deep in the first dream
Each the everlasting
Holy One of the other

Woke with cries of pain.
Each clutched a throbbing wound--
A sudden, cruel bite.
The serpents head, small and still,

Smiled under the lilies.
Behind him, his coils
Had crushed all Edens orchards.
And out beyond Eden

The black, thickening river of his body
Glittered in giant loops
Around desert mountains and away
Over the ashes of the future.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Geoffrey Gordon
• Ted Hughes
• Center for New Music
• David Gompper
• Ann Cravero
• contemporary music
• new music
• chamber vocal music