Merlin Symphony: 1st movement with added narration
sequenced in Apple Logic 9.1.8. using the samples of Vienna Symphonic Library. Revised January 2013 with added narration. Narrator: Duane Mazey
Classical-modern. orchestra, vocal and piano.
I am a classical-style composer and MIDI sequencer.
Story behind the song
This is the first movement of a projected three movement 'Merlin" Symphony to which Duane Mazey has recently added narration based on selections from Alfred Lord Tennyson's "Idylls of the King" which, of course, deals with the legend of King Arthur.
In this movement we meet old King Arthur who is about to meet his illegitimate son Mordred in battle the next day at the end of which they will both kill each other. Arthur laments his fate and the betrayal by his knight, Sir Lancelot with his own wife, Guinevere. Later on, in a dream Arthur is visited by the ghost of Sir Gawain who tells Arthur of his impending death the next day but tells him also that there is an "isle of rest" for him.
In this piece I have, of course, quoted the first two lines of the William Blake-Hubert Parry anthem, "Jerusalem."
The first lines of Blake's poem read:
"And did those feet in ancient time / Walk upon England's mountains green? / And was the holy Lamb of God / On England's pleasant pastures seen?
"This refers to the legend of the child Jesus visiting Cornwall with his "uncle" (actually disciple) Joseph of Arimathea, but note that Blake puts these lines in the form of a question! It is clear that this legend has no basis in fact, but it's a nice thought.
Note that the whole Symphony, now titled "Edward
Gold Symphony No. 1, Idylls of the King- Merlin" has been put on YouTube with graphics by Doré, Blake and various pre-Raphaelite artists.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8GTIyySPRo&list=PLVD8yCwa4pTZIkJt-qVa9ponFx4OY0H-G
