Composer's NoteNarcissus wanders through the forest observing enjoying ... unselfconscious but self-absorbed.He sees as pool of water and then as he approaches notices his reflection in the water. He is intrigued and then jumps back in fright. Once more he approaches ... it is still there. Narcissus steps away from the pool to consider this phenomenon. Several times he approaches the figure is always there watching him.In the shimmering sunlight Narcissus seems to see this glorious and attractive being moving in the rippling water. He is dazzled and slowly holds out his arms. To his amazement the figure responds.In awe and wonder Narcissusapproaches closer and closer. With a sudden change of mood Narcissus dances happily and playfully ... the figure echoing him. But then Narcissus begins to question anxiously the lack of any independent response...is he being mocked? He gets more and more aggitated and finally in a fury he rushes headlong into the water to grapple with the figure. The waves surge up and Narcissus is drowned. There is a distant shimmering vision of Narcissus and his reflection. Then in the setting sun the vision disappears the forest is empty and the pool lies undisturbed.Thea Musgrave

This piece provides a compositional challenge to find a balance between 2 wind instruments and piano the general structure of the piece is evolved so that different balances between the 3 instruments can be explored. The mainsection of this composition demonstrates evenly matched instruments whilst there are 3 episodes interweaving throughout that are all different. The 2nd episode sees the wind and piano play extremely contrasting material inquick alternations whilst the 3rd episode shows how the instruments can be balanced in a close environment producing a short canon. The work is relatively short and all sections are played without breaks each one heralded by asingle soft piano chord.

This work is projected as a ballet for solo male dancer but it can also be presented dramatically in concert performance. Orfeo I was commissioned by the BBC Transcription Service for James Galway and received its first performance on 4 July 1976 at the Chichester Festival performed by James Galway.