Orpheus with his Lute

 

Settings by George MacFarren (1813-1887)
Lloyd Pfautsch (1921-2003)

Text: Shakespeare Henry VIII Act III, scene i

Orpheus with his lute made trees,
And the mountain tops that freeze,
Bow themselves when he did sing:
To his music plants and flowers
Ever sprung; as sun and showers
There had made a lasting spring.
Every thing that heard him play,
Even the billows of the sea,
Hung their heads, and then lay by.
In sweet music is such art,
Killing care and grief of heart
Fall asleep, or hearing, die.

 

 

These pieces were performed on Octarium’s The Shakespeare Concert, May 2004. 

 

The Pfautsch setting is also featured on Octarium's self-titled debut recording.