I've been working on a three-song project, a kind of trilogy, based on the parable of the Prodigal Son. If you are familiar with this story (Luke 15:11–32), there are 3 main characters: the Young Son, the Elder Son, and the Father. So I'm making a song for each.
This posting is the song of the Elder Son:
What Goes On? A while back, an opera-loving friend of mine invited me to see the Met's Live HD performance of Donizetti's "Lucia di Lammermoor"..in it, there is a sextet--six melodies sung concurrently--just blew me away at the composer's skill. I decided that I would try that in this piece.
So, in this song, the characters sing in sequence:
First, the Elder Son
Second, the Father
Third, the 'crowd' (extended family and friends)
Fourth, the Young Son
Then, all sing concurrently.
It's a long piece, about 5 1/2 mins. Thanks in advance to anyone who listens!
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Elder Son:
I hear music, joyful and merry
Though we're still on the job
What's all the noise about?
What makes them sing and shout?
What goes on?--I need to find out.
Who's this tramp, so filthy and ragged
Kneeling at down at your knees
Brother who walked away?
Father you've got to say?
Out you scoundrel, out of my house!
Years I'm working, asked for nothing,
Yet I get no due.
Father, have I let you down?
Still there is no praise..with you all your days.
Oh, such nonsense, false celebration!
Father, where is your mind?
This one is dead to you--
I've been your son who's true;
Throw him out and leave him behind.
This one is dead to you--
I've been your son who's true;
Throw him out and leave him behind.
Father:
See how my son's returned,
Son of my heart;
How many years I've prayed!
Now he's alive, he'll have what is mine!
Crowd:
We agree that he is bad,
You shouldn't ever let him
Back in your inner Life
Younger Song:
Am I worth this? Lowly scoundrel!
Yes, I left you,
Now, you welcome me home.
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Song Specs:
I didn't use a pre-made style, and I didn't use any RT's or RD's..everything MIDI via ForteDXi and ST3.