Section XXI of Beyond / Jenseits begins with the piano playing a mournful rendition of the lullaby, while the Woman’s Son, as played by the 2nd Angel, lists the many ways he feels he has disappointed her.

The Woman responds with love and advice to live every day as if it were one’s last. (This advice may be what she has really needed to tell herself more than anything.) She affirms that her love for her Son can not die.

As the Woman contemplates her son, she can “taste the sorrow over all that we could never tell each other. Still I know our hearts will meet again in the silence.”

Which leads to a dramatic reprise of the before stated advice, now sung an octave higher over a majestic reiteration of the lullaby in the piano played over wildly cascading accompaniment. Technically one of the most difficult passages for singer and pianist alike in this opera.

Leading to the Angels showing the Woman the operating room again. Her body is being reanimated.

XXI

German Language Studio Recording

English Language Live Concert Recording

SON
I disappointed you, Mother. I’m no genius. I didn’t inherit your talent.
I didn’t become an artist, a doctor, or a professor. I’m just a little music teacher. I have no big savings account, nor any stocks. I know I’ve disappointed you, Mother.

WOMAN
Live every day without tomorrows

What matters most is the moment now

1. ANGEL
(whispered concurrently) Now, now evermore now

WOMAN
Leave tomorrow, it’ll be tomorrow

For the body will turn to dust

But all of my love born for you shall live forever

His hair has the color of my hair
And his eyes shine like treasured rubies
Hidden in secret
I can taste the sorrow
Over all that we could never tell each other
Still I know our hearts will meet again in the silence

Live every day without tomorrows
What matters most is the moment now
Leave tomorrow, it’ll be tomorrow
For the body will turn to dust
But all of my love born for you shall live forever

1. ANGEL
Look! Your body is being reanimated.

WOMAN
That doctor is hamfisted! (calls) Body! I am here, I am with you, you are not alone!

1. ANGEL
Death is a long green line.