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Opera in English, in two acts. Based on the original tragedy by Sophocles, and following the structural scenic form of the ancient Greek Drama.
Song Info
Track Files
MP3
MP3 6.5 MB • 128 kbps • 7:05
Story behind the song
Scene. In the Salaminian camp, where Odysseus and his sailors have tracked the bloody traces of a violent crime, up to the tent of the Chief of the Salaminians, Ajax. Responding to the summons of the Goddess Athena, Odysseus asks for her assistance in determining the involvement and guilt of Ajax in the night's bloody rampage.
Lyrics
Libretto for Opera
1. Overture.
2. Prologue A
(Curtain up).
(Before the tent of Ajax at the eastern end of the Greek camp, near Cape Rhoeteum on the northern coast of the Troad. It is rapidly approaching dawn. Odysseus and his men are discovered examining the ground before the tent. Athena is seen in the air.)
(Composer's note: Just before dawn. The Turkish Sea Coast, near the city Troy. Athena is standing on a rock.)
Officer of the Greek Armed Forces, (to Odysseus)
Sir, There is little doubt...the tracks lead straight into the tent.
Odysseus
Then I must enter the tent.
Officers of the Greek Armed Forces
Sir, I beg your pardon. That is not prudent. I volunteer to enter the tent.
Odysseus
No, this it not just a tent.This is the tent of the Commander and Chief.
Commander and Chief of our fellow Greeks, the Salaminians. If anyone is to broach the tent, then it will be me.
Officers of the Greek Armed Forces
Sir I must insist. We do not know what is on the other side. It is possible an
ambush is waiting there.
Odysseus (Putting on armour)
I will enter first. (Giving commands) You two will open the
tent at my command. (To a soldier) Enter quickly behind, to the left and
my back, guard.(To another soldier)...you to my right. (To other soldiers,
some relaying commands)...No torches, till I call for them. Prepare now,
quickly, we must have this done before daybreak.
(Men take their positions to broach the tent. Odysseus is prepared, and about to give his signal to have the tent flaps opened.)
Athena
(unseen by Odysseus)
Son of Laertes, as always,
you prepare to strike
against your enemy.
Here, among the tents of Ajax,
that stand, resting against the sea,
You have long searched and,
measuring the fresh tracks of his steps,
you strive to learn if he is in his tent or not.
You are like a hunting dog, keen on the scent.
Ajax is in the tent,
holding a killing sword
It is not necessary to
Enter the tent.
Say what it is you search for:
I know all - and shall help you.
Odysseus
The most beloved voice of all the immortals!...
Athena, Though you are hidden, - Your voice speaks to my heart like a Golden trumpet of victory. Yes, I circle the enemy. Ajax, the Shield-bearer. He I seek and no other. This night he has done something incredible, unheard of... truly, if it was him.
It is not clear, we still have doubt. I have undertaken this search since finding out, that someone has dispersed and killed our cattle. And shepherds were lost with herds.
Everything points to him for these crimes: One of the guards saw him walk across a field with a bloody sword in hand, and his tracks have led me here. I am convinced they are his. But, whether he has committed the crime, I do not know . You have made a timely appearance. I ask for your guidance.
Athena
I know all, Odysseus, and am here to protect you.
Odysseus
Do I work in vain, Goddess?
Athena
No. He has committed this slaughter.
Odysseus
But what is the cause of this senseless crime?
Athena
The armour of Achilles. Jealousy has made him angry.
Odysseus
And the reason to fall on the herd?
Athena
He thought to engorge his hands in your blood.
Odysseus
And thus to destroy the argonauts?
Athena
And would have destroyed, if not for me.
Odysseus
How did he decide on such arrogance?
Athena
He went to you alone at night, secretly.
Odysseus
Yes? He came to us?
Athena
He came right up to your tent.
Odysseus
What stopped his hand, in his quest for blood?
Athena
I stopped his hand,--
Odysseus
You stopped his hand?
Athena
...and cast over his eyes a blinding fever...
Odysseus
...and cast over his eyes a blinding fever...?
Athena and Odysseus
Woe to him that defies the spirit of the Gods. Be modest in spirit and humble yourself, for pride is a net of deception. The life of man is a leaf that lasts a brief season, and is over. Pride
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