Musicks Empire

 

Lloyd Pfautsch (1921-2003)
Text: Andrew Marvel (1621-1679)

First was the World as one great Cymbal made,
Where Jarring Windes to infant Nature plaid.
All Musick was a solitary sound,
To hollow Rocks and murm’ring Fountains bound.

 

Jubal first made the wilder notes agree
And Jubal tuned the Musicks Jubilee:
He called the Echoes from the sullen Cell,
And built the Organs City where they dwell.

 

Each sought a consort in that lovely place:
And Virgin Trebles wed the manly Base.
From whence the Progeny of numbers knew
Into harmonious Colonies withdrew.

 

Some to Lute, some to the Viol went,
And others chose the Coronet eloquent.
These practicing the Wind, and those the Wire,
To sing Men’s Triumphs,
Or in Heaven’s quire.

 

Then Musick the Mosaique of the Air,
Did of all these a solemn noise prepare:
With which she gained the Empire of the Ear
Including all between the Earth and Sphear.

 

Victorious sounds! Yet here your Homage do
Unto a gentler Conqueror than you:
Who though He flies the Musick of his praise,
Would with you Heavens Hallelujah raise.

 

 

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Ode to Music Concert, November 2003.

 

This piece is also featured on Octarium's self-titled debut recording.