The Seasons - Summer part 1: introduction & the cheerful shepherd

Live performance at Palais des Beaux-Arts, Brussels on 3 June 2012 orchestra: Le Concert d'Anvers (horn solo: Mark De Merlier) conductor: Bart Van Reyn soprano: Ida Falk Winland tenor: Yves Saelens bass: Birger Radde more info: www.octopusensembles.be INTRODUCTION -- paints the dawn of day RECITATIVE Lucas (tenor): Veiled in misty grey, dawn's soft light returns, while sluggish night, at her approach, hobbles away once more. Back to their dark crannies fly shadowy hordes of owls; their hollow voices no longer strike fear into our hearts. Simon (bass): Day's harbinger reveals himself; with a loud voice he summons the farmer, newly-arisen, to the day's work. ARIA Simon (bass): The merry shepherd gathers his happy flocks around him; and slowly ushers them away towards lush grazing in the verdant hills. Gazing eastward then he stands leaning on his staff, watching for the sun's first ray for which he waits impatiently. RECITATIVE Hannah (soprano): Rosy dawn has now arrived, light clouds dissipate like smoke, the sky is resplendent in bright blue, the peaks in fiery gold.