- Kirke Mechem
The King’s Contest (1974)
- G Schirmer Inc (World)
- 3333/4331/timp.4perc/hp/str
- 1111/1000/[perc]/pf/str(1.1.1.1.1)
- Chorus
- mezzo soprano, Tenor, Baritone, Bass
- 26 min
- from the Apocrypha
- English
Programme Note
Synopsis:
A tale from the Old Testament Apocrypha, in which three young men contest for the King’s favour by naming the strongest force on Earth. The baritone says Wine, the bass says The King and the tenor says Women; each is supported by a different instrumental group, who join the arguments. The mezzo-soprano is narrator, assisted by the chorus, which also serves as Grand Jury, questioning, disputing and finally awarding the prize to a fourth force judged to be mightier than all the others – Truth.
A tale from the Old Testament Apocrypha, in which three young men contest for the King’s favour by naming the strongest force on Earth. The baritone says Wine, the bass says The King and the tenor says Women; each is supported by a different instrumental group, who join the arguments. The mezzo-soprano is narrator, assisted by the chorus, which also serves as Grand Jury, questioning, disputing and finally awarding the prize to a fourth force judged to be mightier than all the others – Truth.