VLADIMIR GENIN A Miracle Play for choir (Finale) USA

Music by VLADIMIR GENIN VLADIMIR CHAMBER CHOIR under E. Markin USA Portland 1989 THE PLAINT OF ANDREI BOGOLUBSKY, GREAT PRINCE OF VLADIMIR A miracle play for soloists and choir (1987) Text based on historical writings and folklore (in Russian) Dedicated to the city of Vladimir, the ancient capital of Russia AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE (1997): Genin's modal, often chant-like melodies for the soloists are spiced up with plenty of dissonant harmony for the choir in the back¬ground, with a result both dramatically effec¬tive and musically interesting. THE NEW GROVE DICTIONARY OF MUSIC AND MUSICIANS: "The work which brought the composer acclaim and recognition was 'Lamentation for Andrey Bogolubsky, Grand Prince of Vladimir'. The work was commissioned by the Vladimir Chamber Choir and composed in 1987 to mark the millennium of Russia's adoption of Christianity; it has been performed extensively and recorded by Melodia (Moskau). Combining elements of various techniques of composition (tonal, atonal, and modal), Genin has developed the contemporary Russian traditions, particularly in his colorful harmonic treatment of ancient folklore and Old Russian motifs. TEXT Moviment VII. THE KILLING OF PRINCE ANDREI Bass: In the year 1075 Great-Prince Andrei was killed, on Saturday, June 28th, in the town called Bogoliuby. Whoever is good-minded and kind cannot live without enemies. Prince Andrei heard about the plot and said: "The people will kill me because they are evil. But if they draw my blood, I will be martyred before the Lord." He didn't want to save himself, because true love can bear anything. It takes everything on faith and does not avenge itself. Choir: This was on Friday. His servant Joachim had heard that the prince was going to execute his brother. He listened to the whisper of the devil and appealed to his co-workers and the evil advisors. "Today he'll execute my brother; tomorrow he'll execute us." So they decided to kill the prince in the night. They went to the wine cellar and drank.Then they took up weapons, went to the room where the prince was sleeping and broke down the door. Bass & Choir:"Woe to you. What evil have I done you? You will make my blood to flow upon the earth and God will avenge you for my bread." They fought with him fiercely and, thinking him dead, left trembling. The prince crawled to the entry way, moaning loudly from his broken heart. Choir: Hearing his voice, they returned, fearful for their lives; and following the trail of blood, they found him. When the prince saw them he said, "Oh God, look upon my helplessness. Take care of my misery and the sorrow I am now experiencing. I can bear it because I have hope for You." And thus was killed Great-Prince Andrei. In the morning the citizens of Bogoliuby robbed the prince's house and the city of Vladimir also. Alto: And no one held them back. Baritone: The beggar came and began to ask where the master was killed. They told him: "He has been dragged out into the city. We want to throw him to the dogs." Choir (words of John Damascene): What is the sweetness in this life which is not mixed which crying and misery? What fame is there on earth which cannot be broken and shaken? Dreams are more helpless than shadows. You cannot rely only on dreams. One moment, and they are chased by death. Baritone: The beggar said, "Oh Prince, my master, why did you not identify and conquer your enemies, you who have conquered armies of infidels. Now they won't even allow your body to be brought to the church." Choir: Oh what fears must the soul suffer, the soul that is being torn from the body. In what sorrow will it cry out and not find consolation. Baritone: On the sixth day they carried Prince Andrei to Vladimir, with much wailing and lamenting. (Spoken) And they buried him with great honor and songs praising God in the wonderful church which he himself bad built. Choir: Even if he lifts his eyes to the holy angels, his prayers will be of no avail. If he stretches his hand to the good people, no one will help his soul. What is the sweetness in this life... (etc.) Lord, grant your departed servant your undying mercy. Comfort him in eternal peace and joy. Choir: O Russian Land, you are made beautiful by many divine things... (etc.)