ECHO’S LAMENT

Program Note

ECHO'S LAMENT is inspired by the Greek myth of Echo and Narcissus as recounted by Ovid in Metamorphosis. In this timeless tale, Echo, a nymph who has been cursed to repeat only the words of others, falls in love with the beautiful but self-absorbed Narcissus. One day, Narcissus becomes separated from his friends in a forest and calls out, "Is anyone here?" Echo responds, "Here!" and comes out of hiding. When she tries to embrace Narcissus, he rejects her advances, exclaiming that he would rather die than let her have him. Heartbroken, Echo retreats into the wilderness and slowly wastes away from her unrequited love, until only her voice remains, still echoing the words of others.

Commissioned to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Curtis Institute of Music, an institution that holds a special place in my heart as an alumnus, the piece is structured in three parts, following a slow—fast—slow progression. My intention was to create a piece that not only showcases the soloist's skill but also highlights the expressive potential of the instrument. In terms of material, the outer sections emphasize the harmonic series of the French horn and draw from a four-note cryptogram based on the name "Curtis"—Cu (do), R (re), Ti (ti), S (mé). In contrast, the middle section features a lilting dance that contrasts with the outer sections. This fast interlude also integrates the "Curtis" cryptogram and incorporates rapid transitions from open to stopped horn.

As a tribute to the Curtis Institute's century of service to its students and community, as well as an homage to the timeless myth that serves as its muse, I hope this piece will reverberate and echo within the hearts and minds of the listeners and performer alike.

— Stephen Cabell