Sheng SILVER RIVER

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

xing

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，

xing

shi

bi

xu

xing

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)