Duration ca. 10 minutes
Instrumentation: 2.2.2.2-2.0.0.0-timp.-strings
January 2027 premiere. Details TBA
This work takes its title and inspiration from a hymn sung in the Syrian Orthodox Church. Etnye Shufrayk Toharno. During the pandemic lockdown, I spent many months listening to, transcribing, and studying field recordings from Syria Eastern Orthodox churches. These sounds were familiar ones from my childhood. This particular recording haunted me since that time. Though elements of the hymn are to be found in this work, it is the spirit of communal singing as a form of prayer that is at the heart of this work. This work seeks to evoke elements of the experience of prayer/meditation; the feelings of mystery, of fear of the unknown, the tedium, the scattered mind that wants to constantly run wild, the yearning for clarity and peace. Ultimately, through repetition, and steadfastness, a sense of serenity prevails.
To describe thy beauty is indelicate. O Mary daughter of David. To retrace they life borders on the impossible, O Holy Virgin, for thou art blessed among women, O Mary! Daughter of David. Blessed be the fruit of thy womb, as has announced Elizabeth. O Blessed one! And blessed is they offspring, O Mary, daughter of David! Blessed is he who glorifies thee at all times. Together with the earthbound, the Heavenly Host rejoices in thy memory, O Mary, daughter of David! Let thy prayer help us.
Translation by Christian Poché