Brenton Broadstock: Eheu Fugaces - Movement I

Abstract

Eheu Fugaces received its first performance in Melbourne in 1985 by Brenda Hubbard and the New Ensemble, conducted by John Hopkins. It is a setting of three short texts from different sources, each of which relate to the cycle of life. The first, in Movement I, is from a Mari (Russian) folksong and is philosophical in tone. The second text, Movement II, is from Odesby Horace, and provides the source of the Ancient Greek title Ehue Fugaces (pronounced with a hard 'c', meaning 'Alas, the flying years'). This text is a passionate recognition of the near absurdity of life. A more optimistic and spiritualistic view of life is offered in the biblical setting used in Movement III.