1979
When Orpheus Played
Composed by 
Richard Hundley
Richard Hundley Text by 
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare "When Orpheus Played" was completed July 8, 1979 in New York City. It is found in Four Songs (Boosey & Hawkes, 1989) and is dedicated to tenor Paul Sperry. It was premiered by Mr. Sperry and Robert Spillman at the Aspen Music Festival in 1982. In a note from the composer at the beginning of the collection, the performer is given permission to transpose this piece to other keys.
--Esther Jane Hardenbergh
Text
Orpheus with his lute made trees
by William Shakespeare
Quoted in Henry VIII, Act III scene 1
Orpheus with his lute made trees,
And the mountain-tops that freeze,
Bow themselves, when he did sing:
To his music, plants and flowers
Ever sprung; as sun and showers
There had made a lasting spring.
Everything that heard him play,
Even the billows of the sea,
Hung their heads, and then lay by.
In sweet music is such art:
Killing care and grief of heart
Fall asleep, or, hearing, die.
Sheet Music