Name: Naftel, Frederick Paul: The Legend of Pandora
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Naftel, Frederick Paul: The Legend of Pandora

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In Greek mythology, Pandora was the first human woman created by the gods, each of whom endowed her with specific gifts. Zeus ordered Pandora to be moulded out of earth as humanity’s punishment for Prometheus’s theft of the secret of fire. According to legend, Pandora opened a jar or vessel, releasing all the evils into the world but leaving hope safely inside. The Suite, which I intend to expand into a full-length ballet, follows various events in Pandora’s life:

1-The Birth of Pandora: As Pandora was created from the earth, the music begins in the lowest depths of the orchestra, featuring bass clarinet, contrabassoon and organ pedals, before gradually rising to a full orchestral climax and ending in a blaze of sound. Pandora’s own theme, a rising melody which is first heard on cellos and basses, features in subsequent movements in various guises.

2-Pandora’s Dance of Grace: A sarabande-like movement, which aims to portray Pandora’s beauty and gentility. The harp imitates the ancient lyre or kithara, while the melody first heard on cor anglais is a transcription of the Seikilos epitaph, an ancient Greek melody dating from around 200BC-100AD.

3-Festival of the Gods: Brass fanfares abound in this movement, describing a celebration and feast held on Mount Olympus. A quieter middle section depicts Pandora’s participation in the festivities before the music builds to a triumphant conclusion.

4-Opening of the Vessel: The movement begins mysteriously, as Pandora struggles with her desire to open the jar, tentatively deciding whether or not this would be a good thing. The music reflects her indecision and eventual curiosity, leading her to release the evils contained therein. The movement ends questioningly.

5-Pandora’s Lament: A slow and reflective movement for strings alone, the ending offering some kind of hope.

6-Dithyramb: Originally a wild choral hymn dedicated to Dionysus, the god of wine and fertility, this orchestral version is rhythmically intricate, explosive and lyrical by turns. Pandora’s theme is heard in two calmer interludes, before the music builds to a thunderous conclusion, with brass fanfares, tolling bells and organ adding to the excitement.

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