Bright Sheng David Henry Hwang
THE SILVER RIVER
From the G. Schirmer Rental Library Date of Printing: ________________
G. Schirmer, Inc. New York, NY
Bright Sheng David Henry Hwang
THE SILVER RIVER
The Silver River was commissioned jointly by Chamber Music Northwest, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival. Additional commissioning support was provided by the Philharmonic Society of Orange County.
G. Schirmer, Inc. New York, NY
Instrumentation: Flute (doubling Piccolo and Alto Flute)
Clarinet in B b (doubling Bass Clarinet and Peking Opera Cymbals) Pipa
Percussion (1 player) Small and Large Peking Opera Gongs, Peking Opera Cymbals, Crotales [2 octaves], High Wood Blocks, Bass Drum with pedal, Bell Tree, Vibraphone, Large Tamtam, Tibetan Prayer Bells, Chimes, and Bells of various sizes
Violin (doubling Peking Opera Cymbals and Large Peking Opera Gong) Violoncello (doubling Peking Opera Cymbals)
duration circa 65 minutes
Note: Certain passages in this piece have been transposed to suit different vocal needs. Loose score (and part) pages reflecting these changes have been included with this score and may be used at the performing organization’s discretion. The included pages are:
11 12 13 72 73 74 102 103 104 105 106 124 125 126 127 128
Contents Scene 1.........................................................1 Scene 2...................................................... 14 Scene 3.......................................................31 Scene 4.......................................................44 Scene 5.......................................................70 Scene 6.......................................................94 Epilogue...................................................128 Cast of Characters Golden Buffalo ________________Female Actor, trained in Western Style Jade Emperor__________________Asian Male singer, trained in Chinese Opera Cowherd (singer)_______________Lyric Baritone, trained in Western Opera Cowherd (instrumentalist)________Male Flutist Goddess–Weaver (instrumentalist)__Female Pipa Player (non–speaking) Goddess–Weaver (dancer)_________Asian Female Dancer Jade Emperor’s Entourage_________One Male Dancer and One Female Dancer
Synopsis: According to ancient Chinese legend, Night and Day were created through the ill-fated love between a heavenly being and a mortal. The legend of the Silver River comes alive in a bewitching production populated by Jade Emperors, Goddess Weavers and other celestial beings. Bright Sheng and David Henry Hwang, librettist of the Tony Award-winning M. Butterfly, integrate elements from both Western and Chinese opera in a touching and timeless fable.
THE SILVER RIVER
David Henry Hwang
Bright Sheng
Scene I
∞*
= 100–108 Flute (Piccolo)
Clarinet in B (Bass Clarinet)
Pipa
Small Peking Opera Gong (ca. 8”)
Percussion
(Buffalo enters. She tugs on her earlobe, compulsively, nervously walking around, but obviously excited.) Buffalo
Jade Emperor
Cowherd
∞
= 100–108 0
pizz. Violin
gl.
pizz. Violoncello
∞
6 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
(surprised by the sudden stop of percussion) Is it time? Is it time, yet?
(walks again)
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
0
∞
Vn.
Vc.
∞ * repeated at will, according to movements onstage. Corrected 4/00 9/00 12/01 9/03 02/18
Copyright © 1997 by G. Schirmer, Inc. (ASCAP), New York, NY International Copyright Secured, All Rights Reserved. Warning: Unauthorized reproduction of this publication is prohibited by Federal law and subject to criminal prosecution.
*
2 ∞
A
11 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
(stops) No, I suppose not. And yet, so exhilarating – I’m sorry, can you hear me? It’s hard for me to judge, you see, since I happen to be deaf.
But never mind about that. It is so exhilarating simply to wait, in the certainty that my longings will soon be fulfilled. A delicious sort of pain— one which makes me feel closer to you, whom I love.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
∞
A Vn.
(pizz.) Vc.
gl.
∞
15 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
(S.P.O. Gong)
Perc.
(She starts to walk into the house.)
(pause) This night, the seventh day of the seventh moon—once each year only, I am allowed to sip from the waters which are your lives. This night, when all lovers look upwards, and strain to hear the music of the stars.
Yes—though I don’t know you by name, still I love you all. I mean, I love your kind. Does that sound patronizing? A god, declaring her love for all mortals? Of course you must think I’m just being condescending. But what I mean by love, is that I envy you. Like all lovers, I seek in others what I cannot find in myself.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
∞
0
Vn. gliss. Vc.
gliss.
3 20 B Fl.
Clarinet in B Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
There… you see? …
those two constellations…
the Vega and Altair…
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
B Vn.
(pizz.) Vc.
= 126
poco accel. 25 Fl.
molto
Cl. in B
molto
Pipa
Crotales
Perc.
Peking Opera Cymbals (ca. 7 1/2”)
molto they blink at one another across the Silver River. Also known, in the Western World, as the Milky Way. Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
poco accel. (pizz.) Vn.
Vc.
gliss.
= 126
4 accel.
= 144
∞
30 Fl.
molto Cl. in B
molto
Pipa
Perc.
(P.O. Cym.)
So I wait, consumed by memories—which prepare me for the moment to come. All my senses heightened by—
…a story of love.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
= 144
accel.
∞
(pizz.)
Vn.
(pizz.) Vc.
sub.
= 72
C 35
=
Fl. 5
Cl. in B
Pipa
Crot.
Perc.
Vib.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
= 72
C
arco
= Vn.
arco gl.
gl.
gliss*
gl.
gl.
Vc. poco *gliss. at the very end of the note value
poco
5 39 Fl.
Cl. in B
dolce
Pipa
(Vib.)
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn. ( )
gl.
gl. gl.
Vc. dolce
D
44 Fl.
5
5
poco Cl. in B
Pipa
sub.
Perc.
(Vib.)
Long ago, because I, myself, was a simpler creature, I imagined all creation to be a more innocent place. Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
D Vn.
gl.
gl.
gl.
gl.
gl.
Vc. poco
molto
gl.
6 5
48 Fl.
Cl. in B
gl.
Pipa
(Vib.) Perc.
In those days, the Silver River itself came down to touch the earth, and creatures worldly and celestial mingled upon this pathway. Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
pizz.
arco
Vn.
gl.
pizz.
gl.
arco
Vc.
52 Fl.
Cl. in B sub.
Pipa
Perc.
(Vib.)
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
gl. Vn.
Vc. gl.
7 56 Fl.
Cl. in B
gl.
Pipa
(Vib.)
Perc.
Its stars shone brightly at all times, and might had not yet come for your world. Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
pizz.
arco
pizz.
arco
Vn.
gl. gl.
gl.
pizz.
arco
Vc.
poco rit.
E
60
to Piccolo
Fl.
Cl. in B (to Peking Opera Gong)
Pipa
gl.
gl. gl.
Perc.
At the Jade Emperor’s court I was the life of the party: The Golden Buffalo! My painted hooves, the very definition of fashion, scandalizing Confucius with my diamond nose ring, leveling my rivals with icy wit: “Oh, look, there goes Mulan. Put her in a dress and she still looks like a man.” Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
poco rit.
E Vn.
gl. gl. Vc.
gl.
gl.
gl. gl.
to Pek. Opera Cyms.
8 F
65
= 63
fltg.
Piccolo
Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
S.P.O. Gong
Perc. High W.Blk.
Small Bass Drum muted in the center, with Timpani mallets
(pause) So I lived, eating everything, gaining not a pound… which is, to be honest, the primary advantage of immortality. Until the day I was summoned by the Jade Emperor himself. Buffalo
(The Jade Emperor enters majestically. He speaks in a stylized Chinese opera recitative.) J.E.
Cowh.
pizz.
F
to Peking Opera Gong
= 63
Peking Opera Gong (ca. 11-12”)
Vn.
Peking Opera Cymbals (ca. 7 1/2”) Vc.
68 Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
(P.O. Gong) Vn.
(P.O. Cym.) Vc. * x indicates pitch difference in the speech, rhythm of the speech is approximate.
to Violoncello
9 senza misura
71
(72A)
Picc. to Peking Opera Cymbals Cl. in B
Pipa
Wind Gong
Perc.
Wood Block
Small Bass Drum
Buffalo gliss. J.E.
寡 人 昨 夜 恶 梦，
哇! wah
gua ren zuo
ye
wo mong,
一 个 世 间 牧 童， yi
guo shi
jian mu tong,
鉴 于私 jian yu si
情，
要
使
qing,
yao
shi
senza misura (P.O. Gong) Vn.
arco, non vib., sul pont. Vc.
(72B)
73
Picc. Peking Opera Cymbal Cl. in B
Pipa
Wind Gong
Perc.
(Wood Block)
(W. Blk.)
Peking Opera Gong
molto
Buffalo
For those of you who don’t understand Chinese—take a class! All right: His Majesty had a dream, prophesizing that a human, a simple shepherd, would cause eternal darkness to fall upon heaven and earth.
J.E.
天
tian
Vn.
Vc.
地 di
永 远
yong yuan
黑
he
暗！
gnan!
降 到 人 间，
jiang dao ren jian,
假 扮 为
jia ban wei
世尘
shi chen
老
lao
黄 牛。
huang niu!
10 75
= 126
G
Picc. Peking Opera Cymbals (ca. 7 1/2”) Cl. in B
Pipa
S.P.O. Gong
Perc.
(P.O. Gong)
You want me to find this shepherd?
molto
Forgive me, Your Majesty, but I don’t “do” earth. I mean, it’s dirty, and there’re bugs, and the cuisine is wretched.
(nervously walking around.)
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
= 126
G 0
pizz.
0 0
Vn.
molto pizz. Vc. molto
80
= 63
∞
=
Picc. (P.O. Cym.) Cl. in B
Pipa
(P.O. Gong)
Perc.
W.Blk.
Sm. B.D.
Buffalo
(annoyed) gliss.
J.E.
下
xia
去！ qu!
= 63 ∞
= non vib., poco sul pont.
non vib., poco sul pont. arco
ord.
ord.
Vn.
arco Vc.
con sord., non vib., poco sul pont.
11 = 54
85 Picc.
Cl.
to B Cl. Cl. in B
Pipa
(P.O. Gong)
Perc. Wind Gong
Low Temple Block
On the other hand, I’m told the natives can be quite charming.
Buffalo
J.E.
= 54
poco sul pont.
谨
防
世
间
人
情，
jin
fang
shi
jian
ren
qing,
gl.
gl.
Vn.
arco pizz. Vc.
89 Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
(T. Blk.)
Buffalo
J.E.
多 少 仙
圣 下
duo shao xian sheng xia
凡， 误 fan,
wu
以
世
人
为
yi
shi
ren
wei
神， 反 以 吾 shen,
fan yi
Vn.
arco pizz. Vc.
wu
神
为
人
奴！
shen
wei
ren
nu!
12 92 Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
High W. Blk.
T. Blk.
“Beware the human touch: Many who go down come to believe that mortals are the true gods, and we only their servants.” Buffalo
J.E.
Vn.
Vc.
rit.
95
a tempo
Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
slow to fast
(W. Blk.)
Buffalo
J.E.
谨
防
世
间
人
情!
jin
fang
shi
jian
ren
qing!
rit. gl.
gl.
gl.
a tempo
gl.
Vn.
pizz. gl.
Vc.
13 98 Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
P.O. Gong
(W. Blk.)
Perc.
“Beware of the human touch?” But that’s absurd. After all, the humans below they… they… they die.
Buffalo
gliss. J.E.
如 yu
此 便 ci
bian
得
de
仙
xian
圣
sheng
羡
xian
慕。 mu.
pizz. 0
0
Vn. gliss. arco
gliss. via sord.
to Peking Opera Cymbals
Vc.
= 76
101
(Picc.)
fltg.
Picc. fltg. Cl. in B
Pipa
(W. Blk.)
Perc.
(Buffalo kowtows, then exits the stage with the Jade Emperor.)
“That’s why some envy them?” Buffalo gliss.
(Exits.)
J.E.
下
去！
xia
qu!
= 76 Vn.
Vc.
14
A
Scene II 104
= 132
fltg.
Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
(P.O. Gong)
Perc.
(High W.Blk.)
(Sm. B.D.) Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
A
= 132 Vn.
Peking Opera Cymbals
to Cello
Vc.
109
solo
Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
(Cowherd enters, playing the bamboo flute.) Cowh.
gliss.
(pizz.) Vn.
gliss. Vc.
Cello, senza sord., pizz.
15 B
gliss.
117 Picc.
poco Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. Fol low me (hei)
fol
low me,
I
am a
sim ple hap
B
(pizz.) Vn.
(pizz.) Vc.
124 Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. cow
Vn.
Vc.
herd.
Fol
low
me (hei
ya)
fol
low me I’m a
sim ple hap py
cow
herd.
py
16 C
131 Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. So
poor
I
don’t have a cow,
so
poor,
I
can’t
C
(pizz.) Vn.
(pizz.) Vc.
poco rit.
137
poco meno mosso
Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E. gliss. Cowh. ford
a wife,
I
can’t
af ford
a
wife.
Yet
cric
poco rit. Vn.
Vc.
kets and bees
and
dra
poco meno mosso
gon
flies
af
17 a tempo
143 Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. stray cats and birds
and
but
ter
flies,
they
fol
low me, they
fol
low me, they
fol
low me, they
fol
low me,
they
a tempo
(pizz.) Vn.
(pizz.) Vc.
D 149 Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. fol
low
D Vn. sub.
Vc.
me, they
fol
low
me, they
fol
low
me, they
fol
low
me,
they
fol
low
me, they
fol
low
me,
they
18 E
156 Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E. sub. Cowh. fol
low me,
they
fol
low me,
they
fol
low
me, (hei
ya)
fol
low
E (pizz.) Vn.
(pizz.) Vc.
sim.
163 Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. me, (hei
Vn.
Vc.
ya)
fol
low
me,
(hei)
I’m a
19 F 169
Più mosso,
= 138
to Flute
Picc.
solo Cl. in B
Pipa
(S.P.O. Gong)
Perc.
(Golden Buffalo enters, disguised as a common old buffalo.) Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. hum
ble
sim
ple
hap
py
cow
herd!
F
Più mosso,
(pizz.)
= 138 arco sul G
Vn. heavy
(pizz.) arco sul G Vc.
gl. heavy
174 Fl.
Cl. in B 3
Pipa
Perc.
(aside, to us:) Do I look like an ordinary buffalo? Don’t answer it’s a trick question. I don’t know how I shall keep from speaking. Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn.
pizz. Vc.
arco
20 179 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
I whose tongue is known across the heavens for its agility and...
(aside) It’s working!
Buffalo
J.E. excited
Cowh. A buf pizz.
pizz.
arco
fa
lo!
arco
Vn.
gl. !
Vc. gl.
G 184 Fl. 7
6
Cl. in B molto
molto
Pipa
(S.P.O.Gong)
Perc.
Bell Tree
(their eyes meet) Buffalo
J.E.
(approaches Buffalo) (their eyes meet)
(thinking)
Cowh. She
G pizz. Vn.
gl.
pizz. Vc.
gl.
3
looks
so
sad.
H
21 = 96
Flute
188 Fl.
7
Cl. in B
Pipa
Vib.
(S.P.O. Gong)
Perc. (Bell Tree)
molto
(eyes meet again)
! (aside) That’s not true! I refuse to take up with some unwashed peasant who makes degrading assumptions about every…
(looks away)
Buffalo
J.E. (catches Buffalo’s eyes)
(eyes meet again) Cowh.
H
= 96
pizz. gl.
Vn.
pizz. gl. Vc.
193 Fl.
Cl. in B sub.
Pipa
Perc.
Oh, my...
Well, that certainly is...
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn. sub.
Vc. sub.
22 I
198
6
6
Fl. 6
sub.
6 6
6
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
There is only one other time in my life I’ve ever heard music so beautiful...
And it always...
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. (pizz.)
I
3
Vn. 3
3
(pizz.)
Vc. 3
3
3
=
203
6
Fl. 6
6
6
6
6
6
6
7
6
6
Cl. in B
6
6
6
6
6
6
7
Pipa
Perc.
It always reduces me to...
to...
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
3
3
3
3 3
Vn.
3
Vc. 3
3
3
3
=
23 J
= 52, subito poco più mosso
= 48
206 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Crot.
Perc.
(their eyes meet again) (loudly) Mooo...!
Buffalo
J.E.
pure, folk song–like Cowh. When
J
= 48
I
look
in
to your
eyes,
I
hear
your
voice, your sec
ret
= 52, subito poco più mosso
arco
pizz. Vn. * (pizz.) sul G
sul D
3
3
sul A
0
0
Vc.
8va
8va
sul D
sul G
0 0
3
3 0
0
= 58, subito 211 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. voice.
When
= 58, subito Vn.
arco Vc. * nail pizz.
I
look in to your eyes
I
know your
voice,
I
hear
24
K
PiĂš mosso,
accel.
= 69
215 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
poco dolce Cowh. your sec ret voice.
It speaks
of fear,
of
lone
li
K
PiĂš mosso,
accel.
arco, poco sul tasto
(pizz.)
= 69
pizz.
Vn.
poco sul tasto
pizz.
Vc.
219 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. ness,
of
a long
ing deep in your heart,
for
pur
pose,
to feel
to be
lieve,
for pur
pose to feel
arco, ord. arco
pizz.
pizz.
Vn. arco
arco pizz. Vc.
pizz. arco
pizz.
25 rit.
223
broad
Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. to be lieve, deep in your
heart;
when
I
arco
look in to your eyes.
I
hear
your
broad
rit.
Vn.
arco Vc.
227
molto accel.
Fl.
Cl. in B molto
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. voice,
you
long
to
know
me
to fol
low
me,
to
fol
low me,
to
fol
low
me.
molto accel. Vn. 3
Vc.
3
26 = 96 sub.
L 231 Fl. solo Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
(to us) And then, time began to have meaning, and years flew by like one drunken night. Listening to the song of this boy, Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
L
= 96 sub. 3
Vn. 3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
gl. Vc.
234 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
I learned to feel the world through his flesh.
I watched the ground freeze beneath my hooves, I heard
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. pizz.
pizz.
arco
arco Vn. sub.
Vc.
27 237 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
my teeth chatter, and most amazing of all, when hungry village children died in their sleep, I felt them go deep in my bones. I even came to know hunger, and the relief that Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. pizz.
pizz.
arco Vn. sub.
Vc.
240 Fl.
Cl. in B molto
Pipa
Perc.
comes with the first days of Spring. Food, shelter, water –– as these became more dear, I learned to love each in turn. Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. pizz.
on the strings arco
arco Vn.
Vc. sub.
28 M 244 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Vib. motor off
Perc.
Once, when he slipped on thin ice and fell into a frozen river, I pulled him back onto shore with my teeth gripping his cloak. Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
M
pizz.
Vn.
pizz. Vc.
N 249
6
5
Fl.
6
6
5
! 6
5
6
Cl. in B 6
Pipa
sharp key gliss.
Perc.
As we held each other, shivering,...
I suddenly realized:
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
N
(pizz.) 3
3
Vn.
(pizz.) Vc. 3
3
29 253
6
3
Fl.
6
6 6
6
6
6
6
3
6
Cl. in B
6
3
6 6
6
6
3
6
6
Pipa
(Vib.)
Perc.
the actions of mortals count, they have meaning‌ for these are matters of life and death.
And so the ways of heaven, the joys of court‌
all I had known grew ever more
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
3
3
3
3
3
Vn.
Vc. 3
257
3
3
3
3
= 48
Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
senseless and shallow. (pause) And so, walking beside this boy,I finally came to life! Buffalo
J.E. dolce, legato Cowh. Once
= 48 Vn.
Vc.
I
had
a
won
drous
30 260 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
(Vib.)
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. dream
of a girl
who makes
beau
ti ful 3
arco
mu
sic.
And
I
saw her bath ing in a stream
pizz.
Vn. 3
3 3
3
pizz.
sord. arco
Vc.
263 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Vib.
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. I
felt
a long
ing
deep in my heart
to reach and touch,
the
skies.
I
longed to reach the
arco Vn.
pizz. Vc.
arco
sky
31 267 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Vib.
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. when
I
looked
in
to
her
eyes. o
o
o
o
Vn. 3
3 3
pizz.
o
o
arco
Vc.
A
Scene III = 58
271 Picc.
Peking Opera Cymbals Cl. in B
Pipa
Crot.
P.O. Gong
S.P.O. Gong
Perc.
High W.Blk.
(awakens suddenly realizes the Jade Emperor) Mooo...!!
(Listens, strokes Cowherd’s hair. Together, they fall asleep.) Buffalo (enters) J.E.
Cowh.
A
= 58
poco sul pont. non vib. senza sord.
Vn.
senza sord. Vc.
S.P.O. Gong
arco
(gradually comes to herself, kowtows)
32 B
= 144 sub.
277 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
P.O. Gong
S.P.O. Gong
(W. Blk.)
Perc.
Jade Emperor! I–– excuse me, I’ve got grass between my teeth... I know I haven’t reported much, but I had to take some time... to absorb my new role...
Buffalo
(angrily interrupts)
Seven years––? It’s been that long? Oh, shit!
(nervously walks around)
gliss.
J.E.
七 年 之 久？！ qi nian zhi jiu?!
B
= 144 sub.
pizz. 0
Vn.
gl. poco sul pont. non vib.
pizz.
Vc.
C 283
= 72 =
Fl. (P.O. Cym.) Cl. in B
Pipa
P.O. Gong
(S.P.O. Gong)
Perc.
(High W.Blk.)
molto Buffalo (with gesture stops Buffalo) J.E.
吾 神
销
魂 于人 情，
最
使 寡 人 担
wu shen
xiao
hun yu ren qing,
zui
shi gua ren dan
C
= 72 =
Vn.
(pizz.) Vc.
33 287
(attendants)
Fl. 3
You!
will
re turn
to the Jade
Moun tain
for
pun ish ment!
You!
will
re turn
to the Jade
Moun tain
for
pun ish ment!
Cl. in B
(attendants)
Pipa
3
Perc.
(shocked) Buffalo
(recited by attendants)
J.E.
忧ďź
3
You!
will
re turn
to the Jade
Moun tain
for
pun ish ment!
You!
will
re turn
to the Jade
Moun tain arco
for
pun ish ment!
you!
(attendants) Vn. 3
Vc.
D
= 144
290 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
(panicking) Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
D
= 144
pizz. 0
Vn.
pizz. Vc.
Please, please your Majesty.
For the dignity of all immortals, grant me just few more hours.
34 295 Fl. (P.O. Cym.) Cl. in B P.O. Gong
Pipa
Perc.
So I might take revenge on that… Buffalo (gesture: No!!) J.E.
Cowh.
0
Vn.
Vc.
E 299 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
(S.P.O. Gong)
cresc.
Perc.
His smiles, those kind words, they threw a veil over my senses. Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
E Vn.
cresc. Vc. cresc.
35 F
= 96
303 Fl.
(P. O. Cym.) Cl. in B
Pipa
(P. O. Gong)
Perc.
High W.Blk.
(cresc.)
Small B.D.
Buffalo (interrupts Buffalo with a gesture.)
(exits)
gliss.
J.E.
F
不得 有
误！
bu de you
wu!
= 96
arco
Vn.
(cresc.)
arco
Vc. (cresc.)
308
= 92
G
Fl. dolce e lontano
to Bass Clarinet Cl. in B
to Pipa
Pipa
Vib.
Perc.
Seven years? Did I play my part so well… that I came to believe it myself?
Or was heaven itself the
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
G
= 92
pizz. Vn.
pizz. Vc.
36 315 Fl.
Bs. Cl.
Pipa
Perc.
true illusion? A place where a cup of tea allowed to grow cold sets off weeks of recriminations. In the palaces I gazed into the gilded mirrors of the gods, but never once found a Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn.
Vc.
H 324 Fl.
Bs. Cl.
Pipa
Perc.
rough surface‌ where I could see a reflection of my soul. Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
H Vn.
Vc.
37 332
= 56
I
to Piccolo
Fl.
Bass Clarinet Bs. Cl.
Pipa
Vib.
Perc.
Crot.
(wake up the Cowherd) Buffalo
J.E. ! Cowh. Trou ble
my
friend?
I
read
your
eyes
so
clear
ly,
= 56
I Vn.
arco, sul tasto Vc.
336 Picc.
Bs. Cl.
Pipa
Perc.
(to cowherd) As a matter of fact... Buffalo
J.E. spoken* Cowh. to hear your voice.
Ve ry fun ny,
I thought
Vn.
Vc. * x indicates pitch difference in speech. Rhythms are approximate.
I was a wake.
When a ni mals speak,
this is proof
that
we
dream
as
if
38 J
340 Picc.
Bs. Cl.
Pipa
Perc.
Yes, in the morning you will no doubt believe I am sent from heaven by the Jade Emperor. They call me the Golden Buffalo, but the only thing I really value is to be called your friend. Here on that this was earth—surrounded by dangers—yes, to have another by your side—it makes the wait for death bearable. Believe me, I don’t go willingly—and I all a dreamas will think of you, more often than you think of me—after I am Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
J Vn. sul tasto Vc.
= 72
poco meno mosso K
346 Picc.
Bs. Cl. sub.
molto
Pipa
Perc.
gone. Buffalo
J.E. surprised sad Cowh. Once lone
Gone?
= 72 pizz. Vn.
pizz. Vc.
K
li
poco meno mosso
ness
was my
on
ly
39 350
a tempo
Picc.
Bs. Cl.
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E. emotional (angrily) Cowh. friend,
but now,
you have tak’n its
place.
I
once
thought
I
could
a tempo Vn.
(pizz.) Vc.
353 Picc.
Bs. Cl.
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. live
Vn.
Vc.
a lone
with
on
ly
my
song,
my mu
sic.
But now
I know that to live
is
to
be heard
by
a
40 356 Picc.
Bs. Cl.
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. no
ther.
How
can you go and
plunge
my world
in
to dark
si
lence?
Vn.
Vc.
L 359
= 126 Piccolo
Picc.
Bs. Cl.
Pipa
Perc.
No, no. Of course, you’re right. I can’t go like this. Buffalo
J.E. (play the flute) Cowh.
L Vn.
= 126 gl.
Vc. gl.
41 M
367
to Alto Flute
Picc.
Bs. Cl.
Pipa
Perc.
I must try to leave your life better than when I arrived. Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
M
arco, sul tasto
Vn.
Vc.
375 Al. Fl.
Bs. Cl.
Pipa
Perc.
Listen and I will reveal to you a celestial secret. This girl you have seen in your dreams—she’s more than just a vision. The only other soul in creation whose music is as pure Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
ord.
gl.
Vn. arco, sul tasto Vc.
ord. gl.
42 383
PiĂš mosso N = 144 sub.
Al. Fl.
Bs. Cl.
Pipa
Perc.
as yours. They call her the fairest Goddess-weaver, ninth daughter of the Jade Emperor, who spins stars for the Silver River and makes the music of the heavens. Do as I say, and Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
PiĂš mosso N = 144 sub. sul A 8va Vn.
gl. Vc.
393 Al. Fl.
Bs. Cl.
Pipa
Perc.
you will learn there is something even more wonderful than being heard: to hear another, and join your songs together. Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn.
Vc.
43 O
403 Al. Fl.
Bs. Cl.
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
O
sul tasto
Vn.
ord. gl.
Vc.
=
414 Al. Fl.
Bs. Cl.
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
8va
Vn. 8va 8va 8va
Vc.
8va
=
44 A 424
Scene IV = 72
rit.
Alto Flute
Al. Fl. to Clarinet Bs. Cl.
Pipa
Vib.
Perc. Bell Tree
(exits) Buffalo
J.E. anxious Cowh. Why
A
= 72
do I
feel
the world has
rit.
pizz.
Vn.
pizz. Vc.
428
(rit.)
a tempo
Al. Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E. sub. (searching) Cowh. for
ev
(rit.)
arco
changed
er?
Dreams
they run
wild–,
they
scare me.
a tempo
Vn.
Vc. poco
poco
45 432 Al. Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. Buf
fa lo!
Buf gl.
fa
lo!
gl.
gl.
Vn.
Vc. poco
poco
poco
poco
436 Al. Fl.
Clarinet in B Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E. (frustrated) Cowh. No where to be found.
Vn. arco
Vc.
Can
it be
my
song
3
has
lost
its
46 Poco meno mosso B
440
= 66
(Fl.)
Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Vib.
Perc. Ped. *
(elevated upstage, appears in cowherd’s memory) On the seventh day of the seventh moon, when the fairest Goddess–Weaver comes to Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. pow
er?
Poco meno mosso
= 66
arco ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) sim. pizz.
B
Vn. 3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
arco 8va
pizz.
8va
Vc.
sub.
444 Fl. 3
3
3
3
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
bathe in the Silver River... Approaching the water, you will begin to hear notes falling, sounds as beautiful as your own. Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn. 3
3
3
Vc.
* The pedal should be depressed through m. 455.
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
47 C
447 Fl.
3 3
3
3
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
You will find her naked, Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
C 3
Vn. 3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3 3
Vc.
450
3
Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
beneath the falling stars. Take her gown and hide it. It is our cloak, which gives immortals the power of flight, the means to reach heaven. Without her gown, she will be unable to Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Vn. 3
Vc.
3
3
3
3
48 453
3
3
Fl. 3
3
3
3
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
return home. Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Vn. 3
3
3
3
3
Vc.
456
D
= 96, subito
Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
But it is your song that shall truly win her heart. Trust me. Hearing your music even once, any creature would yearn to hear more, over and over again, forever. Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
D
= 96, subito sul tasto
Vn. pizz. Vc. poco poco
poco
poco
49 460
Flute
Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Deep inside I know that the two of you Buffalo (strips, and slowly wanders towards the Goddess Weaver) J.E.
Cowh.
Vn.
Vc.
poco
poco
poco
poco
poco
poco
464 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
are fated to join together heaven and earth. Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
ord. Vn.
arco Vc.
50 accel. poco a poco 468
=
Fl. cresc. Cl. in B cresc.
Pipa
Perc.
(disappears) Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
accel. poco a poco
8va
=
Vn. cresc.
(cresc.)
cresc.
(cresc.)
Vc.
E
= 48
471 Fl.
Cl. in B
(Goddess – Weaver appears)
Pipa \ \ /
sim.
3
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
E Vn.
Vc.
= 48
3
51 accel. = 52
473 Fl. as fast as possible
12
non vib.
11 =
12
Cl. in B poco
poco poco rubato
Pipa \ \ / \/
gl.
(Vib.) key ck blagliss. Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
= 52
accel. Vn.
3
sul tasto, non vib. Vc.
accel.
476 Fl.
3
3
Cl. in B
/
Pipa
3
3
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
accel. 3
Vn.
Vc.
3
3
3
52
F
= 52 478
13 =
Fl.
poco Cl. in B
poco rubato
Pipa
= 52
(Vib.)
.
iss
gl
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E. almost mesmerized
Cowh. A song
= 52
F
Vn. 3
sul tasto, non vib. Vc.
481 Fl.
Cl. in B \
/
\
/
Pipa gl.
sub. 3
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. strange... 3
Vn.
Vc.
3
so
53 ten.
484 Fl.
5
Cl. in B
sub.
5
3
gl. Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. Yet
so
beau
ti
ful...
ten.
Vn.
Vc.
gl.
gl.
487 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E. free Cowh. It
takes
me to
plac
es
be
yond
my
dreams.
Vn. ord. gl. Vc.
54 G 490
6
= 66–69
Fl. 6
6
Cl. in B 6
Pipa
Vib.
Perc.
Bell Tree
!
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
G
gl.
= 66–69
gl.
gl.
Vn.
gl.
gl.
Vc.
493 Al. Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn.
Vc.
gl.
55 H
496 Fl.
Cl. in B
\
5
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
H Vn.
Vc.
499 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
gl. gl.
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
gl. Vn.
Vc.
\
/
56 502 Fl.
Cl. in B (Stops and looks at the cowherd.)
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E. (waits for an answer, receives none.) Cowh. May I
look
u pon you?
Vn.
Vc.
505 Fl.
Cl. in B
(Look at him again, then resume playing, while looking at him.)
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. Shall I
Vn.
Vc.
go
a
way?
57 I 508
to Piccolo
= 126 =
Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. As your fin gersspin,
I
= 126 =
Vn.
sul tasto
gl. Vc.
512
Piccolo
riten.
Picc.
Cl. in B \
Pipa
\
\
(surprised, then smile)
gl.
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
(plays the bamboo flute) Cowh. I
un
der
stand
what you say.
riten. Vn.
Vc.
58 J
= 56
517 3
5
Picc. 7
Cl. in B 7
(suddenly turns sad)
Pipa
sub.
bla
ck
Vib.
wh
ite
key
key
glis
s.
glis
s.
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. You
do
not
speak?
J
= 56
arco pizz.
Vn.
pizz.
arco
Vc.
520 Picc. 7
7
7
7
7
7
Cl. in B
molto
Pipa
bla
ck
wh
ite
Perc.
wh key
key
ite
glis
bla gli ck k ss. ey
s.
glis
s.
bla
ck
ke
yg
key glis wh s. i glis te ke s. y
lis
s.
Buffalo
J.E. angry Cowh. arco pizz.
Oh,
arco pizz.
pizz.
arco
Vn.
pizz. Vc.
arco
pizz.
arco
pizz.
arco
59 523 Picc.
Cl. in B
molto
molto
Pipa
Perc.
molto
(l.v.)
Buffalo
J.E. sad sub. Cowh. cru
el
Gods!
Wish ing to make the per fect wo man,
they cre
at
ed you
mute.
pizz. Vn.
pizz. Vc.
alla misura = 144–152 sub.
K 526
senza misura
Picc. (in tempo) Cl. in B
rubato (shakes head, unable to believe this.) 3
6
\
/
Pipa gl.
gl.
gl.
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
K
senza misura
alla misura = 144–152 sub. arco, sul tasto
Vn.
arco, sul tasto Vc.
60 529 Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
(amazed by her, trys to follow) Cowh.
Vn.
Vc.
534 Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
ord. Vn.
ord. Vc.
61 538
L
Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
L Vn.
Vc.
542
M
Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
wild
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
M Vn.
Vc.
62 546 Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn.
Vc.
549 Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn.
Vc.
63 552 Picc. cresc. Cl. in B cresc.
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn.
Vc.
555 Picc. (cresc.) Cl. in B (cresc.) (smiles)
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn.
Vc.
64 N
∞
559
=
( = 52)
= 72–76 rit.
O
(slow – fast)
= 69 sub.
Picc. dolce Cl. in B molto
/
Pipa
dolce
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E. excited, almost ecstatic
(realizes he has become “carried away”) Cowh.
Yours
N
∞
=
= 72–76 rit.
( = 52)
O
is a
= 69 sub.
Vn. pizz. Vc. warmly
564 Picc. poco Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. voice
from the wa
ter
of
fan
ta sy.
You give me
pow
ers to rise,
to
rise
Vn. non arp. Vc.
a bove the
65 567 Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. place
I
was born,
to dream of
hap pi ness,
to
call
your name,
your
name
o
ver
and
o
ver,
o
ver and
arco
pizz. Vn.
Vc. sub.
P
570
Subito meno mosso
= 52
Picc.
Cl. in B molto
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. o
ver.
Ah
lost
P
in
Subito meno mosso
the
clouds
= 52
pizz.
un
der the ground
arco, sul tasto
Vn. poco sul tasto arco Vc.
pizz.
through
66 poco accel.
573 Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. ham
lets and cas
tles,
’til all
cre
a
tion shines
with your beau
ty.
I
dreamt
of
your
poco accel.
pizz.
arco, sul tasto
Vn.
arco, sul tasto
pizz.
Vc. poco
Q
576
più mosso
Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. hair,
your lips,
of your hands, of your
Q ord. Vn.
arco, ord. Vc. molto
eyes.
più mosso
I
call
out
your name
o
ver
and
o
67 579 Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. ver; lost
in
the clouds
un
der the ground through
ham lets and cas
tles ’til all
arco
pizz.
cre a tion shines with your beau
pizz.
Vn.
pizz.
arco
Vc.
583 Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E. Ossia: eyes,
Cowh. ty.
I
dreamt
of
your
hair
your
lips,
of your hands
arco Vn.
pizz. Vc.
arco
of your
eyes.
your
eyes.
68 586 Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. I
dreamt of
this
song
as
all
cre
a
tion called out your name,
Vn.
poco Vc.
poco rit.
589 Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. o
ver
and
o
ver,
o
ver
and
poco rit. Vn.
Vc.
o
ver, and
o
ver:
love
69 R 592
Più mosso
= 58
Picc.
Cl. in B gliss.
Pipa
Vib. soft felt mallet
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
R
Più mosso
= 58 pizz.
Vn.
pizz. Vc.
596
Long pause ca. 30" (Lights fade to black)
3
Picc.
Cl. in B
(They embrace.)
Pipa
Crot., soft yarn mallet
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Long pause ca. 30"
arco Vn. 8va
arco Vc.
70 A 602
Scene V (Lights up on a tower in heaven, where Buffalo is imprisoned. Jade Emperor enters, angry. Buffalo kowtows.)
= 144–152
Picc. Peking Opera Cyms. Cl. in B
Pipa
S.P.O. Gong
Perc. High W.Blk.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
A
= 144–152 Peking Opera Gong Vn.
Vc.
608 Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
sub.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn.
Vc.
71 B
614
Tempo ad lib.
Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
B.D.
Perc. (W. Blk.)
sub.
Buffalo
J.E.
老 黄 牛！ lao huang niu!
B
Tempo ad lib. Vn.
Vc.
620 Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
(B.D.)
Perc.
(W. Blk.)
molto Buffalo gliss.
gliss.
J.E.
你 可 知 ni
Vn.
Vc.
ke
zhi
罪？！ zui?!
你 ni
乱
luan
我 wo
天
意
定
要
重
tian
yi
ding
yao
zhong
罚！ fa!
72 625 Picc. P. O. Cym. Cl. in B
Pipa
(B.D.)
Perc. (High W.Blk.)
sub. Emperor—try to understand. All creation changes and grows—including even your daughter. Buffalo
gl.
J.E.
大
胆！
da
dan!
P. O. Gong Vn.
Vc.
C
Prestissimo
629
= 112 ( = 224) ∞
Picc. P.O. Cym. Cl. in B
Pipa
P.O. Gong
Perc.
Low Temple Block
molto
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Prestissimo Violin
C
= 112 ( = 224)
∞
poco sul pont. detaché
Vn.
pizz. Vc. molto
73 D 637 Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
(L. T. Blk.)
Buffalo (in fury)
J.E.
人
神
相
爱
是
死
ren
shen
xiang
ai
shi
si
情， qing,
更
是
世
界
之 末
日！
爱
欲
geng
shi
shi
jie
zhi
ri!
ai
yu
mo
D Vn.
Vc.
644 Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
W. Blk.
L. T. Blk.
Buffalo
J.E.
Vn.
Vc.
本
非
仙
灵
ben
fei
xian
ling
情， qing,
我
等 背
负
治
理
宇
宙
之
重
wo
deng bei
fu
zhi
li
yu
zhou
zhi
zhong
任，
她
ren.
ta
74 650
’
Picc.
P.O. Cym. Cl. in B
’ Pipa
Wind Gong
’ Perc.
(L. T. Blk.)
Buffalo
’
J.E.
’ 无 wu
视 shi
纺
织
银
星
fang
zhi
yin
座，
黑
暗
将
（呃）
要,
zao,
hei
an
jiang
(nge)
yao
gliss.
’
Vn.
Vc.
E 657
= 108
= 108 ten.
Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
P.O. Gong
Perc.
(W. Blk.)
slow
fast
Buffalo
’ J.E.
临
天
lin
tian
5
地
3
di
= 108 ten.
= 108
E
’
Vn. 5
arco, sul tasto
ord.
3
molto
Vc. molto
75 F
= 76
661 Picc. to Bass Clarinet
Bass Clarinet
Cl. in B
Pipa
(P.O. Gong)
Perc.
(W. Blk.)
Ok, I can see you’re upset. Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
F
= 76
pizz.
6
6
6
6
Vn.
pizz. Vc. 6
6
6
6
665 Picc.
Bs. Cl.
Pipa
Perc.
But let’s not get over-dramatic. Please, Your Majesty—why can’t gods and mortals fall in love? We’re not living in ancient times. Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
Vn.
Vc. 6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
76 667 Picc.
Bs. Cl. poco
Pipa
Perc.
You say passion is not a blessing granted to gods. That our job is to care for the cosmos. But your daughter loves him! She’s been a little negligent about weaving stars Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
6
6
6
6
6
6
Vn.
Vc. 6
6
6
6
6
6
670 Picc.
* Bs. Cl.
Pipa
Perc.
*
W. Blk.
for the Silver River, I admit that. But do things look any darker around here to you? Listen to the wisdom of the future: all we need is love!* Buffalo J.E.
Cowh.
Vn.
Vc. * Bs. Cl. and W. Blk. continue to play over Buffalo’s narration. The music stops abruptly, when the Buffalo has finished her last line, “all we need is love!” and the music jumps directly to m. 674.
77 G 675
= 144
∞
Picc. to Clarinet in B Bs. Cl.
Pipa
S.P.O. Gong
High W.Blk.
Perc.
Buffalo (Enraged, grabs the Buffalo by her collar and points to earth.) J.E.
Cowh.
G
= 144
∞
P.O. Gong
Vn.
P.O. Cym. Vc.
678
(attendants:) This is your future!
(attendants:) A curse upon all creation!
(attendants:) This is your future!
(attendants:) A curse upon all creation!
(attendants:) This is your future!
(attendants:) A curse upon all creation!
Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
B.D.
Perc.
sub.
Buffalo (attendants:) A curse upon all creation!
(attendants:) This is your future! J.E.
放 fang
Vn.
Vc.
肆！ si!
万 Wan
物 之
末
wu
mo
zhi
日！ ri!
78 = 80+
H
(Lights up on Earth, where Cowherd and Goddess-Weaver are trying to make music together.)
683
=
Picc.
Cl. in B
rhythmic
Pipa
Lg. Tam.
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
H
= 80+ =
Vn.
Vc.
I 686
( = 96)
Piccolo
Picc. dolce Cl. in B (Stops, realizing they are not together, and becomes upset.)
Pipa
gl.
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E. (Plays the flute, trys to follow.) Cowh.
I Vn.
Vc.
79 690 Picc.
Cl. in B
(Makes another effort.)
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn.
Violoncello pizz. Vc.
694 Picc.
Cl. in B
(Very upset, but still trying.)
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E. (Also realizes, shakes his head and trys to follow.) Cowh.
Vn.
Vc. sub.
80 698
=
Picc.
Cl. in B
(Stop frustrated cries.)
Pipa
Perc.
Bell Tree
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Violin
=
arco Vn.
Vc.
J 702
= 160
Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E. (also frustrated) Cowh. Day
af
ter
day
we
try
so
hard.
Day
af
ter
day
since
our
J
= 160
pizz.
Vn.
arco Vc. sub.
mo
ment
of
un
81 706 Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. ion
day
af
ter
day
we
try
to
join
our
rhy thm
and
har
mon ies.
Vn.
pizz. pizz.
arco
Vc. sub.
K
710 Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
legato Cowh. Yours
from
arco
the
stars,
mine
of
the
earth.
love
K
pizz.
Vn. sub. arco Vc.
Can
tru
ly
bridge
82 715 Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
legato Cowh. such
a
dis
tance?
Yes!
We
must!
We
must
try
hard
er,
if
we
be
lieve,
arco Vn.
Vc.
L 721
= 80 = 96
=
Picc.
Cl. in B
(Nods her head.)
Pipa
Vib., soft mallet
Perc. Ped.
Buffalo
J.E.
(They try again.) Cowh. we be lieve
in
love.
L pizz. Vn.
pizz. Vc.
=
= 80 to Peking Opera Cym.
if
83 (Lights up on the tower in heaven, where the Jade Emperor and the Buffalo are watching.)
728 Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
gl.
gl.
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn.
pizz. Vc.
733 Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn.
Vc. sub.
84 737 Picc. dim. Cl. in B
dim.
Pipa
Perc.
High W.Blk.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Peking Opera Cymbals (hold and choke) Vn.
to Peking Opera Cymbals Vc.
M
= 72 741
∞
to Flute
=
Flute
fltg.
Picc. (dim.) fltg. Cl. in B
Pipa
(dim.)
S.P.O. Gong
Perc. Wind Gong
You’re ordering me to go down? I thought earth is off limits to me.
(translating) Those whose time is short feel their lives more strongly. We who live forever walk a harder road. And yet sometimes we wish, we yearn, for the freedom of death. Buffalo
(snaps out of reflective mood; turns angry again.) J.E.
人 间 万 物 有 限，因 而 生
降 回 人 间！
命 欲 望 强 烈。仙 灵 之 道 坚 困，
jiang hui ren jian!
Ren jian wan wu you xian, yin er sheng ming yu wang qiang lie. Xian ling zhi dao jian kun,
却 常
向
往 死 亡 之 解 脱。
que chang xiang wang si wang zhi jie tuo.
M
∞ Vn.
Vc.
= 72 =
to P.O. Gong
85 accel. molto 745
=
Fl.
cresc.
(cresc.)
cresc.
(cresc.)
Cl. in B
(attendants:)
Si
Pipa
lence!
High W.Blk.
Perc.
Absolutely not! Find some other lackey to go down and kidnap your daughter, and tear her away from the man she loves. I have become a creature of principle! Nothing you can do could possibly force me to— Buffalo (with attendants)
J.E.
送 还 我 的女 儿！
Si
lence!
song huan wo di nu er!
accel. molto
=
(attendants:)
Vn. Si
lence!
Si
lence!
(attendants:) Vc.
N
= 144
751
to Alto Flute
Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
(S.P.O. Gong)
Perc.
Sm. B.D., muted
Buffalo (Exits.) J.E.
Cowh.
N
= 144
P.O. Gong
to Violin al sord.
(P.O. Cym.)
to Violoncello al sord.
Vn.
Vc.
86 O
= 58
756
lunga
Alto Flute
Al. Fl.
Cl. in B
legato
Pipa
Low Tam.
Perc. Wind Gong
What is…? What have you…? I open my mouth I feel my tongue move, the vibrations in my throat, and yet… I hear nothing. And has the universe suddenly began to grow (Buffalo exits, groping her way through the darkness.) darker? Hello? Hello? (Lights crossfade up on Goddess-Weaver, with Cowherd sleeping beside her.) Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
O lunga
= 58
Violin, arco, con sord.
Vn.
Violoncello
arco, con sord. Vc.
763 Al. Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn.
Vc.
87 P
768 Al. Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
T.Blk. (T.Blk.)
Perc. S.P.O. Gong
There’s no need to respond, since I can’t hear you.
Hello, Goddess.
(Enters Earth.) Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
P
pizz.
arco
arco
pizz.
pizz.
Vn.
pizz.
arco
pizz.
arco
Vc. sub.
772 Al. Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Your father has taken away my hearing. I believe you’ve been happy most of the time. But for what I am going to do now, you will never forgive me. Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
arco Vn.
Vc.
pizz.
arco (con sord.)
88 Q
776 Al. Fl.
Cl. in B
dolce e legato
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Q Vn.
Vc.
781 Al. Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn.
Vc.
poco
89 R
= 72
786 Al. Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
(Lg. T.Blk.) (Lg. T.Blk.)
Perc. (S.P.O. Gong)
I’m sorry, Goddess, but you must come with me.
I know it’s not your choice! It isn’t mine either!
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
= 72
R
pizz.
Vn.
pizz. Vc.
791 Al. Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Don’t you understand, we are gods! Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
via sord.
senza sord.
Vn.
via sord.
senza sord.
Vc. sub.
But we never get to do what we want.
90 796
to Flute
Al. Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
The stars – look to the skies! We need you back working above... or all creation will be plunged into darkness. (pause) I can’t believe I’m saying this. Even worse, that I actually believe it. But so long as you remain here by his side, nothing else will matter to you. I know this because looking at you is like seeing a vision of myself, back when I lived by his side. The confusion, the wonder, the joy—I see them all… when I look into your eyes. Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn.
Vc.
S 800
= 132 sub.
Flute
Fl.
Cl. in B molto
(continues to protest)
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
S Vn.
Vc.
= 132 sub.
gliss.
91 T 804 Fl.
Cl. in B
gliss.
Pipa
S.P.O. Gong
High W.Blk.
Perc.
(They fight.) Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
T arco Vn.
arco Vc.
807 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn.
Vc.
92 810 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn.
Vc.
813 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn.
Vc.
93 816 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn.
Vc.
=
= 66
819 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc. Sm. B.D., muted
H. W. Blk.
Crot. brass mallets
(Buffalo casts a spell on the Goddess– Weaver, transports her up the Silver River.) Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
= Vn.
Vc.
= 66
94 822 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
non arp.
change to soft mallet
(to Cowherd:) Soon he will awaken, and find she is gone. My deaf ears will hear his curses. And know I deserve them all. And yet, each word he spoke, I have committed to memory. Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
pizz. Vn.
pizz. Vc.
Scene VI (Slow change of lights suggesting morning.)
A 829
= 66 ∞
∞
Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Low T.Blk.
Perc.
Crot. soft mallet
Buffalo
J.E. (awakens) Cowh.
A
She’s gone,
= 66
∞
she
∞
is gone
I must find her,
I must search
to find
(pizz.)
Vn.
(pizz.) Vc.
sub.
sub.
her,
I
95 834 Fl.
10
Cl. in B
Pipa
(Low T.Blk.)
Perc.
(Crot.)
Buffalo
J.E. (Finds Goddess-Weaver’s cloak.) Cowh. have
al
reach ing the stars
ways im ag ined
but
I
was born with my
feet
on the ground.
Vn. sub.
sub.
Vc. sub.
838
poco meno mosso
B
Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E. (looks up into the sky.)
angrily
Cowh. Are we bet ter
sep’ ra ted?
Are we bet ter sep’
ra ted?
No!
eyes makes me
poco meno mosso
B
arco
Vn.
sub. Vc. gl. sub.
Her
be
lieve
96 843
a tempo
Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E. poco dolce Cowh. in plan
ets and mir
a cles in gods
and in
pa ra dise.
Though dreams,
they
scare me.
I
can not es
cape
them,
a tempo pizz.
arco
Vn.
Vc.
gl.
C
= 132–138
847 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Sm. Sus. Cym.
Perc.
Bell Tree
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. now
these dreams have be come
my
whole
life, these dreams have be come
my
life!
C
= 132–138 on the strings
Vn.
arco, on the strings Vc.
gl.
for
97 851 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. So
I
give
up
all
claim to
rea
son,
to
or
der.
I
feel
the
ground
Vn.
pizz.
arco
Vc.
855 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. give out pizz.
be neath
me.
And
I
rise
’til
arco
pizz.
Vn. pizz. Vc.
the stars
arco
near to my
touch.
arco
98 859 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. I
feel
the ground
give out
be neath
me
’til
the stars
near
to
my
touch.
pizz.
And arco
Vn. arco
pizz.
pizz.
Vc.
863 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. I
cry
out: pizz.
my
love,
I’m pizz.
arco
Vn.
arco Vc.
pizz.
arco
arco
99 D
867 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
P.O. Gong
Perc. P.O. Cym.
Buffalo
J.E. (He flies towards the heavens.) Cowh. near! pizz.
D
arco Vn. pizz.
sub.
sub.
arco Vc. sub.
(A special light reveals Jade Emperor’s attendants in Heaven.)
871 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn.
Vc.
100 875 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
(P.O. Gong)
Perc. (P.O. Cym.)
Buffalo (attendants:) Love has broken out all over heaven and earth. This is not allowed! J.E.
Cowh.
Vn.
Vc.
879
E
Fl.
Cl. in B
(Goddess–Weaver appears in the far distance. She reaches out her hands.)
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. My
E Vn.
Vc.
101 883 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
P.O. Gong
Perc. P.O. Cym.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. love,
I
have
found
you!
Vn.
Vc.
F 887 Fl.
5
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
F Vn.
Vc.
5
5
5 5
5
102 890 Fl.
5
5
5
5
Cl. in B
Pipa
(P.O. Gong)
Perc. (P.O. Cym.)
Buffalo (rushes in) J.E.
Cowh.
gliss.
gliss. gliss.
Vn.
gliss.
gliss.
Vc.
895 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
High W. Blk.
Perc.
B.D.
Buffalo
J.E.
gliss.
爱
情
泛
滥
ai
qing
fan
lan
gliss.
Vn.
on the string Vc.
gliss.
gliss.
103 902 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
(High W. Blk.)
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
天
地
间！
tian
di
jian!
gliss. Vn.
Vc.
909 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E. 3
Vn.
Vc.
gliss.
104 917
Subito prestissimo
= 112–116
Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
P.O. Gong
L. T. Blk.
Perc. P.O. Cym.
(choke)
Buffalo
J.E.
Subito prestissimo
= 112–116
poco pont.
Vn. (sul tasto) Vc.
922 Fl.
Cl. in B sub.
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Vn.
Vc.
星
逝
必
须
星
来
补，
shi
bi
xu
lai
bu,
此
乃
我
噩
梦
ci
nai
wo
wo
meng
105 927 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
H. W. Blk.
Perc.
S.P.O. Gong
(L. T. Blk.)
Buffalo
J.E.
牵
挂
处，
要
我
纵
（呃）
qian
gua
chu,
yao
wo
zong
(nge)
容， rong,
Vn.
Vc.
931
= 108
= 144
rit.
Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
H. W. Blk. slow
fast
B.D.
Lg. Sus. Cym.
Perc. Wind Gong
The Silver River… it rises, cutting off heaven Buffalo
J.E.
万
万
难！
wan
wan
nan!
= 108
rit.
gliss.
3
gliss.
gliss.
3
gliss. gliss.
3
ord.
= 144
Vn. 3
gliss. gliss. ord. molto
Vc.
molto
106 G 935 Fl.
5
sub. Cl. in B
Pipa
(Lg. Sus. Cym.)
Perc.
Crot.
poco
Tam.
poco
molto
forever from earth.. Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
G Vn.
Vc.
939 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
(Lg. Sus. Cym.)
Perc.
(Crot.)
Look… The River… Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn.
Vc.
107 943 Fl.
5
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
it separates the lovers! Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn.
Vc.
senza misura = 48
H 946 Fl.
Cl. in B (Goddess-Weaver appears, extremely sad.)
Pipa
3
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
H
Vn.
Vc.
senza misura = 48
108 947
accel.
= 58
Fl.
Cl. in B molto
Pipa gliss.
gliss.
gliss.
gliss.
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
accel.
= 58
Vn.
Vc. molto
948
= 48
accel.
= 48
accel.
Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn.
Vc.
109 949 Fl.
Cl. in B
gl.
gl.
3
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn.
Vc.
951 Fl. to Bass Clarinet Cl. in B
Pipa gl.
gl.
gl.
gl.
gl.
gl.
gl.
Perc.
(Attendant I:) This is my nightmare come to blazing life. I call upon my powers to overcome my fears. Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn.
Vc.
110 952 Fl.
Bs. Cl.
Pipa
poco
gliss.
3
sub.
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn.
Vc.
alla misura
I 953
= 54
Fl. cresc. Bs. Cl.
Pipa gl.
Wind Gong
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E. (Play the flute with the Goddess–Weaver.) Cowh.
I
alla misura = 54
Vn.
Vc.
gl. sighs
gl.
gliss.
molto gliss. gl.
111 958 Fl.
Bs. Cl.
poco
molto
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn.
Vc.
poco accel.
rit.
963 Fl.
Bs. Cl.
gl.
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
poco accel. Vn.
Vc.
rit.
112 a tempo 967 Fl.
Bs. Cl.
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
a tempo Vn.
Vc.
970 Fl.
Bs. Cl.
Pipa molto
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. sul tasto Vn.
molto Vc.
113 J
= 126
973 Fl.
Bs. Cl.
Pipa dolce
gliss.
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
J gliss.
gliss.
gliss.
= 126
Vn. gliss.
gliss.
gliss.
Vc.
978 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
pizz. Vn. pizz.
cresc.
Vc. cresc.
114 accel.
982 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
cresc.
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
accel. Vn. (cresc.)
Vc. (cresc.)
K
= 144
(accel.) 986 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
(cresc.)
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. Ah!
(accel.) Vn. (cresc.)
Vc. (cresc.)
K
= 144
Now we can play
as
115 991 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. one!?
Ofcourse!
To
be
hu
man
is
to know
pain.
Now
by your fath er’s
Vn.
Vc.
997 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. hand,
you
know
pain.
And
I,
through love,
have reached the heav
ens.
Now at last,
we arco
Vn.
Vc.
play
in
116 1003
L
Fl.
Cl. in B
gliss.
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. har
mo
ny!
Look!
Your
L
gl. Vn.
pizz.
gl.
(arco)
arco gl.
Vc.
1007 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. tears
Vn.
Vc.
are
fall
ing
like
mine,
like
those
of
all
hu
mans
117 1010 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. who
have
ev
er
lived.
Your
tears
are
fall
arco, on the strings Vn.
Vc.
M
1013 Fl. 5
Cl. in B 5
gliss.
gliss.
Pipa molto
Thundersheet
Perc.
Wind Gong
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. ing!
M Vn.
on the strings
molto
Vc.
molto
118 1016
∞ Fl. 5
Cl. in B 5
gliss.
gliss.
Pipa
gliss.
(Thundersheet)
Perc.
(Wind Gong)
When I look to the heavens, I see stars themselves weeping, gods and goddesses retiring to their quarters. The Silver River itself begins to cry, tears of fire flaring out across the cosmos.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
∞ Vn.
Vc.
1019 Fl. 5
5
Cl. in B 5
5
gliss.
gliss.
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn.
Vc.
gliss.
119 1022 Fl. 5
Cl. in B
5
gliss.
gliss.
Pipa
gliss.
(Thundersheet)
Perc.
Wind Gong
molto
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn.
Vc.
1025 Fl. 5
Cl. in B
5
5
5
gliss.
gliss. Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn.
Vc.
Sm. Sus. Cym.
molto
120 1028
∞
N
Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
(Thundersheet)
Perc.
(Sus. Cym.)
When I look to Earth, I see the tears flow from babies and grandmothers alike. Farmers put down their plows and cry in the fields, sailors hang their heads over the sides of their ships. And so a torrent bursts forth over heaven and earth, Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
∞ Vn.
Vc.
1031 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Wind Gong
B.D. which continues unabated for six intoxicating months. Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn.
Vc.
N
uniting all creation in a terrible whirlwind of grief,
121 1034 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn.
Vc.
O 1037 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
(Thundersheet)
Perc.
(L. Sus. Cym.)
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
O Vn.
Vc.
122 1040 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
P.O. Gong
Perc.
P.O. Cym.
B.D.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn. cresc. Vc. cresc.
1043 Fl.
5
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. gliss.
Vn. (cresc.) Vc. (cresc.)
gliss.
123
P 1046 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
P.O. Gong
Perc. P.O. Cym.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
P Vn.
Vc.
(attendants:) Si--lence!!
1049
to Piccolo
= 52
Fl. (attendants:) Si--lence!! Cl. in B (attendants:) Si--lence!!
Pipa
(Thundersheet)
Perc.
L. Sus. Cym.
(attendants:) Si--lence!!
hi W.Blk.
Tam. B.D.
Wind Gong
sm. Sus. Cym. Buffalo (Enter hurriedly, with attendants, shouting together:)
Si--lence!!
J.E.
Cowh.
(attendants:) Si--lence!! Vn.
(attendants:) Si--lence!! Vc.
= 52
124 (attendants:) This chaos is more frightful than any nightmare!
1054
Q
= 69
Picc. (attendants:) This chaos is more frightful than any nightmare! Cl. in B (attendants:) This chaos is more frightful than any nightmare!
Pipa
(hi W.Blk.)
P.O.G.
Perc. molto
High W.Blk.
B.D.
Buffalo (attendants:) This chaos is more frightful than any nightmare! J.E.
狂 暴 kuang bao
恶
于
e
yu
梦 魔！ meng mo!
= 69 Q
poco sul pont.
Vn. molto con sord. Vc. molto
1058
(attendant I reflecting:) The Buffalo mixed with mortals.
Picc. (attendant I reflecting:) The Buffalo mixed with mortals. Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo (attendant I reflecting:) The Buffalo mixed with mortals. J.E.
黄 牛
混
huang niu
淆
hun xiao
于
凡
人，
yu
fan
ren,
女 儿 nu
er
亦 已 长 越
父
辈。
yi
fu
bei.
yi
zhang yue
Vn. pizz. Vc.
arco
pizz.
arco, sul tasto
125 1062
(attendant II, reflecting Jade Emperor:) Even my own daughter has grown beyond me.
Picc. (attendant II, reflecting Jade Emperor:) Even my own daughter has grown beyond me. Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
(H. W.Blk.)
Buffalo (attendant II, reflecting Jade Emperor:) Even my own daughter has grown beyond me. J.E.
纵
使 我
zong
shi
Vn.
pizz.
pizz.
arco
arco
Vc.
1065 Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
竭
力
jie
li
阻 拦，
时 代
更
zu lan,
shi dai
geng
新，
无
奈
暂 且
顺
自
然。
xin,
wu
nai
zan qie
shun
zi
ran.
Vn. pizz. Vc.
arco
wo
126 1069
(attendant I:) Despite all I have done to prevent it,
(attendant II:) A new future has arrived.
(attendant I:) Despite all I have done to prevent it,
(attendant II:) A new future has arrived.
Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
(H. W.Blk.)
poco
Buffalo (attendant I:) Despite all I have done to prevent it,
(attendant II:) A new future has arrived.
(Jade Emperor:) I decree:
J.E.
Cowh.
non vib.
Vn. pizz.
non vib.
arco
Vc.
1073 Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E. On
the sev
enth
day
of
the sev
enth
moon,
all
Cowh.
Vn. arco pizz. Vc.
pizz.
arco, sul tasto
pizz.
mag
pies
127 1077 Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
(T. Blk.)
Buffalo
J.E. shall
form
a
bridge,
a
cross
the
Sil
ver
Riv
er.
Cowh.
Vn. arco
arco
pizz.
Vc.
1080 Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E. One
day
each
year,
shall these
Cowh.
Vn. pizz. Vc.
arco
lov
ers
be
u
nit
128 fltg.
1084
10" to Flute
Piccolo
Picc. fltg. Cl. in B
Pipa
Sm. Sus. Cym.
Tam.
Perc.
High W.Blk.
slow
fast
B.D.
W.Blk.
B.D.
W.Blk.
B.D.
Buffalo (Exits.) J.E. ed.
Ah.
Cowh.
10" Vn. senza sord. Vc.
Epilogue
A 1089
= 108
Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Small Peking Opera Gong
Perc.
(appears) Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
A
= 108 0
pizz. Vn.
gl.
pizz. Vc.
129 ∞
1094 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
(She wanders back into the house.) On the seventh day of the seventh moon, all magpies shall form a bridge across the Silver River, so the lovers may be reunited—for one day each year.
(stops) The rest of the time, the Goddess continues to weave stars, which is why you mortals are still around to hear my story. Though you may have noticed, that because the Silver River no longer touches earth, your world grows dark—for half of every day. But I suppose you’ve all gotten used to that by now.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
∞
0
Vn.
Vc.
1100 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
(S.P.O. Gong)
Perc.
(H. W.Blk.)
Is it time? Is it time yet?
(She tugs on her earlobe; to heaven:) Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Violin
pizz.
Vn. gl.
pizz., senza sord. Vc.
(turns toward us:) Oh. You see, the Emperor also ordained that when the magpies form their bridge, I will regain my hearing… for one night. To share the music they make and feel their love.
130 (Off–stage cue to magpie chirping, almost inaudible.)
1103 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Yes, I have sacrificed much—my freedom, my hearing, my contentment. But my reward is coming, a single moment filled with the essence of a million heavens. When my hearing returns, and the heavenly melodies play, I recall each word he spoke to me. Then I cannot help but call my feelings by their true name. The name that mortals use. Sometimes, I can even hear my own voice, over the music, whispering: I love him. And now it is time!
You must understand now why this night is so important to me. Once a year, when all souls who believe in love come together, we look skyward to see the Cowherd and the Goddess-Weaver, reunited. Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn.
Vc.
B
= 72
1106 Fl. 5
Cl. in B
Pipa
Crot.
Perc.
Vib.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
B
= 72
arco Vn.
arco gl.
gl.
gl.
gl.
gliss.*
Vc. *gliss. at the very end of the note value
poco
poco
131 1109 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
(Crot.)
Perc.
(Vib.)
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn.
( )
gl.
gl.
gl.
Vc.
C
1114 Fl.
5 5 9
Cl. in B
Pipa
sub.
(Crot.)
Perc. (Vib.)
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
C Vn.
gl.
gl.
gl.
gl.
gl.
Vc. poco
poco
molto
gl.
132 1118 5
Fl.
Cl. in B
gl.
Pipa
(Crot.)
(Vib.)
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. pizz.
arco
Vn. gl.
gl.
pizz.
arco
Vc.
1122 Fl.
Cl. in B sub.
Pipa
(Crot.)
Perc.
(Vib.)
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
gl. Vn.
Vc. gl.
133 1126 Fl.
Cl. in B
gl.
Pipa
(Crot.)
Perc.
(Vib.)
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
pizz.
arco
pizz.
arco
Vn. sub. gl. gl.
pizz.
gl.
Vc.
D
1129
rit.
Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
gl.
gl.
gl.
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
D Vn.
arco Vc.
gl. gl.
sord.
rit.
134 = 60 1133 Fl.
Cl. in B
(singing)
(playing)
O
Pipa
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
(singing)
O
Perc.
(singing) Buffalo O (attendants and Goddess-Weaver) J.E. O
O dolce
Cowh. If
our love
is
pure
and
= 60 (singing) Vn., Vc. singing
O
O
O
O
Vn.
sul tasto Vc.
1136 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
gliss.
Perc.
O
O
O
O
O
O
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. true and our bond
Vn., Vc. singing
is
long and
O
time
less,
why must
we
be to ge
ther
O
Vn. con sord. Vc.
day
and
135 accel.
più mosso
1139 Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
poco
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E. poco
’ Cowh. night?
If our love
is
accel.
pure
and
true and our bond
islong
and
time
less, why
must
we be
to
più mosso
Vn., Vc. singing
pizz. Vn. arco, sul tasto
pizz. Vc.
rit.
1143
a tempo
Fl.
Cl. in B
(singing)
Pipa
O
Ah
O
O
Ah
O
O
Ah
O
O
Ah
O
(singing)
Perc. Vib.
(singing) Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh. ge ther ev’ ry day
and night,
rit.
ev’ ry
day
and night,
Why
must
we
be to ge
a tempo
Vn., Vc. singing O arco Vn.
Vc.
Ah
O
ther
136 PiĂš mosso
1146
to Piccolo
= 96 ( = 48)
Piccolo
Fl.
Cl. in B
Pipa
O
O
O
O
(singing)
Perc. (Vib.)
Crot.
Vib.
(Magpie chirping grows louder, until it overwhelms the entire theater.)
(singing) Buffalo O
O
O
O
J.E.
Cowh. day
and
night?
PiĂš mosso
= 96 ( = 48)
Vn., Vc. singing O
O pizz.
Vn.
Vc.
1150 Picc.
Cl. in B gliss.
Pipa
(Crot.)
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
Vn. pizz. Vc.
137 1153
3
Picc.
Cl. in B
gliss.
gliss.
Pipa
Perc.
*
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
arco Vn. 8va
arco Vc.
E
1157 Picc.
* Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
*
E
Vn.
* Vc.
* Play (with both hands) two or three bells, Tibetan praying bowls, etc. in random order.
138 1161
∞
Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
∞ Vn.
Vc.
1166
(lights fade to black) (Cut off!)
10" lunga
Picc.
Cl. in B
Pipa
Perc.
Buffalo
J.E.
Cowh.
10" lunga Vn.
Vc.
(Curtain)