Epitaph (2019)

This art song sets my translation of the Seikilos Epitaph, an Ancient Greek tombstone inscription from the 1st to 2nd Century CE. The original epitaph sets its text to music, forming the oldest surviving complete musical piece. In the art song, the epitaph’s original melody forms the basis for the repeating accompaniment pattern. I was pleased enough with this little work that it I have used it as the final aria in my opera The Metamorphosis of Gertrude and Jo, and most recently as the final song in my cycle for non-binary tenor Kristyn Michele, Ancient Hymns and Prayers.