Jephte is made ruler of the people of Galaad: he first pleads their cause against the Ammonites; then making a vow obtains a signal victory; he performs his vow.
Allow me to introduce you to a few of Carissimi's incredibly beautiful pieces, performed by the Gabrieli Consort and Players. (Isn't the soprano simply fantastic?)
Translation:
Weep you hills, grieve you and with the affliction of my heart, bewail!
Behold I die a virgin and will be unable, in my death, to be consoled by my own children. Cry, woods, fountains, and streams, weep over the death of a virgin!
Alas for me, grieving amidst the people's rejoicing, in the victory of Israel and the glory of my father. I, a childless virgin, I, his only daughter die and live no longer. Shudder you rocks; stand in astonishment, you hills. Resonate, you valleys and caverns, with the horrible sound!
Mourn, children of Israel, mourn my virginity, the only child of Jephtha, lament with a song of sadness.
Translation:
Mourn, children of Israel, mourn my virginity, the only child of Jephtha, lament with a song of sadness.
Yes, I'm studying for a music history test; why do you ask?
2 comments:
Of course I remember him from music history! It was one of the >5 times in my life I've ever heard of someone famous with a name similar to mine! (The other being St. Carissima - an 5th century nun!)
You are TOTALLY the way I remembered his name for the test. :)
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