In 6th grade music class at NBCS we put on a Christmas chorale, singing carols and select songs from the opera Amahl and the Night Visitors by Gian Carlo Menotti (that just might be the most melodic name I've ever heard, btw).
Kaspar, Melchior, Balthazar:
Melchior and Balthazar:
The Mother:
Melchior:
Kaspar:
Balthazar:
The Mother (absorbed in her own thoughts):
Citrons and lemons,
Hazelnuts and camomile,
Ever since that chorale (1991!), bits of lyrics and snatches of melodies would surface in my consciousness, orbit for a while then disappear. Some of the melodies were quite beautiful. I had forgotten the title of the opera, but thanks to Google I found the cd based on the few lyrics I remembered.
I had never heard the whole thing before and was pleased to find that the opera has a wonderful message and some lovely lines.
The story is about a crippled shepherd boy, Amahl, who lives in poverty with his mother. Following the star, the three wise men stop for the night and ask to stay with Amahl and his mother. While they are sleeping, the woman attempts to steal some of their riches for her son and herself. The wise men wake up, catching her in the act. Amahl defends his mother but the kings graciously offer to let her keep the gold that was meant as a gift for the holy child. She is repentant and wishes she had something to give the child. Amahl asks the wise men to take his most prized possession, his crutch. A miracle occurs and Amahl is healed of his lameness. He asks to be allowed to visit the child and his mother and the kings agree.
My favorite parts:
Kaspar, Melchior, Balthazar:
By silent sunken lakes
the antelope leaps.
In paper painted oasis
the drunken gypsy weeps.
The hungry lion wanders,
the cobra sleeps.
How far, how far, my crystal star?
............................................................
Melchior:
Have you seen a Child
the color of wheat, the color of dawn?
His eyes are mild,
His hands are those of a King,
as King he was born.
Incense, myrrh, and gold
we bring to His side,
and the Eastern Star is our guide.
The Mother (as though to herself)
Yes, I know a child
the color of wheat, the color of dawn.
His eyes are mild,
his hands are those of a King,
as King he was born.
But no one will bring him
incense or gold,
though sick and poor
and hungry and cold.
He's my child, my son,
my darling, my own.
Melchior and Balthazar:
Have you seen a Child
the color of earth, the color of thorn?
His eyes are sad,
His hands are those of the poor,
as poor He was born.
Incense, myrrh and gold
we bring to His side,
and the Eastern Star is our guide.
The Mother:
Yes, I know a child
the color of earth, the color of thorn.
His eyes are sad,
his hands are those of the poor,
as poor he was born.
But no one will bring him
incense or gold,
though sick and poor
and hungry and cold.
He's my child, my son,
my darling, my own.
Melchior:
The Child we seek holds the seas
and the winds on His palm.
Kaspar:
The Child we seek has the moon
and the stars at His feet.
and the stars at His feet.
Balthazar:
Before Him the eagle is gentle,
the lion is meek.
The Mother (absorbed in her own thoughts):
The child I know
on his palm holds my heart.
The child I know
at his feet has my life.
He's my child, my son,
my darling, my own,
and his name is Amahl!
Kaspar, Melchior, Balthazar:
Choirs of angels hover over His roof
and sing Him to sleep.
He's warmed by breath,
He's fed by Mother
who is both Virgin and Queen.
Incense, myrrh and gold
we bring to His side,
and the Eastern Star is our guide.
.............................................................
Melchior:
Oh, woman, you can keep the gold.
The Child we seek doesn't need our gold.
On love, on love alone
He will build His Kingdom.
His pierced hand will hold no scepter.
His haloed head will wear no crown.
His might will not be built on your toil.
Swifter than lightning
He will soon walk among us.
He will bring us new life
and receive our death,
and the keys to His city
belong to the poor.
..........................................
Shepherds:
Shepherds:
Olives and quinces,
apples and raisins,
nutmeg and myrtle,
medlars and chestnuts,
this is all we shepherds can offer you.
Citrons and lemons,
musks and pomegranates,
goat cheese and walnuts,
figs and cucumbers,
this is all we shepherds can offer you.
Hazelnuts and camomile,
mignonettes and laurel,
honeycombs and cinnamon,
thyme, mint and garlic,
this is all we shepherds can offer you.
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