Work
Cerberus
for a cappella SATB choir
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Cerberus is a setting for a cappella SATB choir of the text of Boethius (480-524). The story is of Orpheus and Eurydice. Orpheus descends into Hell to find his beloved Eurydice who has been bitten by a snake whilst dancing with the Nymphs. There he attracts and calms the Hound of Hell, Cerberus. Orpheus, with his lute, wins over Hades, who agrees to let him take Eurydice with him on the proviso that he doesn't look back. Orpheus cannot hear her footsteps behind him and doubts - he looks back, and Eurydice descends back to Hell. Orpheus cannot again enter. Some legends have his head continue singing despite having been decapitated.
Cerberus received a Highly Commended award in the Compose Aotearoa! National Choral Composition Competition 2023.
Text note
Boethius (480-524)