View the Concert Program - George Mason University School of Music

carMen tranSlation
toreador Song
Hurrah! The Toréro! Hurah, Escamillo! For a toast, your own will avail
me, Señors! For all you men of war. Like all Toréros as brother hail me! In
a fight, we both take delight! ‘Tis holiday, the circus full from rim to floor.
The lookers-on beyond control, now begin to murmur and roar! Some are
calling, and others bawling, and howling too, with might and main! For
they await a sight appalling! ‘Tis the day of the brave ones of Spain! Come
on! Toréadors, make ready! And think about her, who all can see, a dark
eyed lady, and that love that waits for thee!
All at once they all are silent. Ah, what is going on? No cries! The time has
come! With a mighty bound the bull leaps out from the Toril! With a rush
he comes, he charges! A horse is tying, under him a Picador! “Ah, bravo
Toro!” the crowd is crying. Now he goes on, he halts, he turns, charges
once more! Oh how he shakes his bandarillas! How madly now he runs!
The sand is wet and red! See them running, see them climb the barriers!
Only one has not fled! Come on, come on! Ah! Toréadors, make ready...
il trovatore tranSlation
anvil chorus
See how the night mist is lifting its veil and the great vault of heaven above
is shining. Seems like a widow whose mourning is done, cutting off all of
the black of her sorrow and pining. To work, to work, then! Ready? Your
hammers! Who cheers the gypsy’s days and raises up his spirits? You
know the answer, a pretty woman!
Fill up our glasses! Our arms are strong and hearts are brave again when
wine is flowing. Look how the sunbeams shine in the glass where the wine
that we drink is so brightly glowing! To work, to work, then!..
ProGraM noteS
“Los Bilbilicos,” which translates to “The Nightingales,” is a lyrical and
mysterious Judeo-Spanish folk song that expresses a heartbroken lover’s
ache upon hearing a nightingale’s blissful sighs of love. Surrounded by
the beautiful wonders of nature, love’s keen sting is ever-present for this
lonely lover. This traditional Sephardic Jewish piece is characteristic of
pastoral music of liturgical poetry adapted from songs traditionally heard
during Shabbat and various festivals. The verbiage was originally sung to
the tune of a different song, and over time became its own unique melody.
Sephardic Jews originate from the Iberian Peninsula of Spain and Portugal,
until their expulsion in the fifteenth century. This pastoral song utilizes
nature as a form of expression for matters of the heart. Paula Foley Tillen’s
melodious arrangement poignantly captures the emotion and splendor of
this timeless love song.
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