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It was during the composition of this portion of the ballet, that I ended up making a personal connection with the character of Lucretia. Even though I find it difficult to understand or even try and comprehend the feelings she goes through within the story, I did the best I can. I hope that musicians can find something they relate to within Lucretia, because even though she struggles at the extremes, a lot of the feelings that she experiences can be reflected in our own lives. Thank you for embarking on this incredible journey with me and I hope you enjoy this little slice of ‘Lucretia.’
-Christopher Hall (2024)
The Death of Lucretia:
Known unwillingly was Lucretia, and thus, she was filled with grief.
Crowned by the noblemen as the most pure and beautiful woman in Rome, Lucretia was more innocent than a dove, and more loyal than the legions of Rome. Thus, it was written of her, “Had Narcissus seen her as she stood, Self-love (would) had never drown'd him in the flood.” 1
But after the ravisher’s crime, fair Lucretia’s innocence lay without life on the floor, like a dove who fell prey to a hawk.
In grief Lucretia cried, saying:
“Wretched is I who’s lost her dove!
And cursed are Queen’s without their crowns!
My subjects of virtue fly with haste,
While my soul is crushed as Rome’s disgrace.
Who longs for death?2
Surely the kingdom-less Queen!
Who digs for it like treasure?2
Surely her whose treasure is lost!
I do not long for death,
I long my ribcage, who is still of this earth!
Yet my kingdom of doves abandons me,
And only in despair shall I live,
Subject-less!”
Thus, in her dismay, Lucretia called out for her origin, she called out for her ribcage, and in haste they arrived: Spurius the father and Collatinus the husband.
Upon their arrival, Collatinus was embraced, for it was he who she longed for, and therefore it was he who would cure her grief.
But the poison was too much, and the antidote was fruitless, and so, while her body walked, Lucretia was no more, for all left of her was consumed by grief.
With tears, the lifeless Lucretia confessed what had happened, and in grief did the men weep. Of rage, of horror, their wails of pain consumed their mouths, for the poison started to affect them, and all control was lost to them.
Amid their roaring cries, time slowed for Lucretia. She did not partake in the hysterics, and instead was preparing. For inside, she sung out to her heart saying:
“Do not be afraid,
Do not exhaust,
Your flightless dove
Has not been lost.
While you may mourn,
Your ravished soul,
Rejoice!
For you are Queen once more.
Rejoice aloud!
Rejoice in triumph!
For broken are the chains!
A slave no more,
Not griefs nor despairs,
Evermore we long,
To join our dove’s care!”
A tear rolled down Lucretia’s cheek, for her heart did not believe her song. But the ruthless poison had corrupted much, and Lucretia’s hand approached her belt.
Her breathing was slow and pastorale, and her heart beat mad, for hidden in her belt was a knife.
“Rejoice!”
Thus
chimed
Lucretia.
1: William Shakespeare, “The Rape of Lucrece,” Line 331-332 2: Reference to The Book of Job, 3:21
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