Four Madrigals

Song Cycle by Ned Rorem (1923 - 2022)

1. Parting
 (Sung text)

Language: English 
Truly I want to die
Such was her weeping when she said goodbye
These words her said to me
"What said calamity! Sappho, I leave you most unwillingly"
To her I made reply
"Go with good heart, but try not to forget our love in days gone by.
Else let me call to mind,
If your heart proves unkind,
the soft delightful way you leave behind.
Many a coronet of rose and violet,
Crocus and dell upon your brow you set:
Many a necklace too
Round your soft throat you threw, 
woven with me from buds of ravishing hue,
And often balm you spread of myrrh upon my head
and royal ointment on my hair you shed."

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2. Flowers for the Graces

Language: English 
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3. Love

Language: English 
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4. An absent friend  [sung text not yet checked]

Language: English 
A glorious goddess in her eyes
 [ ... ]

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Total word count: 210