Edward II:  Tableau I:  Pastoral

Edward II, an operatic drama, music composed by ASP artistic director, David Edgar Walther, based on the play and poems by Christopher Marlowe, was recorded by Mike Burke at John Weston's Futura Studio in Roslindale, MA.  The following is the entire First Tableau: 

1. LOVE LETTER:  Edward writes to his lover, Gaveston, to invite him back to England.  David Edgar Walther, Bass; is joined by Christian Contreras, Clarinet and Russell Southcott, Guitar.  Musically, this number states the main theme of Tableau I.   First posted on Facebook on 3/21/14.

2. ISABEELA'S TEARS:  Queen Isabella intercepts her husband's letter to his lover, Gaveston.  Carol Millard, Soprano; Sam Ou, Violoncello; and Leah Kosch, Piano.   Musically, this is the first statement of the main theme of the opera. First posted on 3/29/14.

3. LOVE'S REPLY:  Gaveston reads Edward's letter and decides to join him in England.  Michael Belle, Tenor; Christian Contreras, Clarinet; and Russell Southcott, Guitar.  This number restates the main theme of Tableau I.  First posted on 4/5/14.

4. LOVE'S RETURN:  Edward welcomes Gaveston  back to England.   Michael Belle, Tenor; and David Walther, Bass; are joined by Carol Millard, Piccolo; Thomas B. Dawkins, English Horn; Christian Contreras, Clarinet, Russell Southcott, Guitar; Priscilla Chew, Violoncello; and Leah Kosch, Piano.  First posted on 4/12/14.  

5. ARABESQUE:  Edward and Gaveston relax and listen to a troupe of travelling dancers.  Christian Contreras, Clarinet and Russell Southcott, Guitar perform.  First posted on 4/19/14.   

6. CREATION: Edward makes Gaveston an Earl, and gives him lands and other honours and titles. Gaveston reacts with humility and appreciation.  Michael Belle, Tenor; David Walther. Bass; Christian Contreras, Tenor Saxophone;  Thomas B. Dawkins, Bassoon; Russell Southcott, Guitar; and Leah Kosch, Piano.   First posted on 4/26/14.

7.  HEART:  The passion really gets red hot as Edward says:  "Thy worth, sweet friend, is far above my gifts Therefore, to equal it, receive my heart."  Gaveston replies:  "I have my wish, in that I joy thy sight;  It shall suffice me to enjoy your love." Michael Belle, Tenor;  David Walther, Bass;  Carol Millard, Flute; Thomas B. Dawkins, Bassoon and Leah Kosch, Piano. First Posted on 5/3/14.   

8.  LOVE's DART: The culmination of the love making of Edward and Gaveston. Michael Belle, Tenor; David Walther, Bass; Christian Contreras, Clarinet; and Russell Southcott, Guitar.  This is the concluding statement of the main theme of Tableau I.  First Posted on 5/9/14.

Note:  All of the texts are from Marlowe's play "Edward II" except for 1. "Love Letter"  which is a separate poem entitled "The Passionate Shepherd to His Love" and 8. Love's Dart which is Marlowe's translation of Ovid's Elegia II. In 8. Edward sings the music from "Love Letter" (number 1) and then he is joined by Gaveston, who sings the music from "Love's Reply" (number 3).  The melody on melody technique is also found in "Love's Return" (number 4).