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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 5.2 MB • 128 kbps • 5:40
Story behind the song
The chorus, who represent fellow Salaminians to Ajax, are unaware of the deeds done by him. As a matter of fact, they have come to persuade Ajax to take actions against their fellow Greeks, who mock their leader, and, indeed, are even attacking the hapless Salaminians, because of the malicious rumours being spread about Ajax.
Lyrics
5. Parode (Choral Entrance)
Coryphaeus, (leader of the chorus).
O Ajax of Telamon, cherished on the earth, among the waves of the Salaminan Sea!
Coryphaeus and Soprano
The sweetness of your accomplishments have been our joy, our happiness!
Coryphaeus, Soprano, Alto, Bass
The false empty rumors whispered about you,...
Coryphaeus and Bass
...Odysseus spread everywhere,...
Coryphaeus
... and my grief will not pass.
Chorus
Oh, rise, rise! Arise! Rise!
Soprano, Alto, Tenor
The shame and disgrace of rumours spread fast!
Coryphaeus and Bass
You, yourself should come, Sovereign!
Alto and Soprano
Sovereign!
Chorus
Horror fills my heart, everywhere I tremble, like the fluttering wings of a dove, and my grief will not pass.
Coryphaeus, Tenor, Bass
O Ajax of Telamon, cherished on the earth, among the waves of the Salaminan Sea! The sweetness of your accomplishments have been our joy, our happiness! The false empty rumors whispered about you, Odysseus spread everywhere, and my grief will not pass.
Soprano and Alto
Hold, O Zeus with Apollo, disgraceful and shameful lies! Unworthy slander -- slander from malicious tongues!
Chorus
We have been plunged into confusion this past night, hearing shameful rumours, of you in meadows, where herds of horses and cattle were chopped to pieces! They would not dare to murmer, within your sight, like a flock of birds. We are not forces to help you, If you would appear unexpectedly, they would be a frightened kite, - and would calm down in a moment, and silently to the ground would drop!
STROPHE
Tenor
Who inspired you to rush upon the docile herds,
Tenor and Bass
-- all Danaan trophies, gifts and tribute to a long conflict,
Soprano and Alto
--Which after obtain'd--
Chorus
--You have slaughtered with a flashing sword.
Soprano and Alto
Was it not the goddess Artemis, the sovereign daughter of Zeus...
Tenor and Bass
You failed to honour her, perhaps, with the best ripened fruits of a victory? Or, perhaps, on a deer hunting, without leaving her an offering?
Perhaps it was the war-god Enialy in the copper armour, offended, taking revenge for insult to the spear carrier, allied with the God, cunningly sending you the troubles of the night?
ANTISTROPHE
Tenor
Son of Telamon, you never would have strayed so far, if you had your will. No, never on herds would attack. The divine oracle of the gods has been read - illness...
Chorus
O king, cease to encourage unworthy slander, your face hiding under the canopy of a tent!
EPODE
Chorus
Leave your tent! Up, up!
Tenor and Bass
Enemy slander is widely carried along oak groves by the quietly blowing wind, people venture loudly evil talk, and my grief will not pass.
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