FOR CHILDREN’S CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA
Dedicated to the memory of Anna Lindh
Children’s voices and symphony orchestra – what an exciting combination! It should give an opportunity to a wonderfully bright and intense timbre.
This was my first thought. But also, character-wise, I wanted to do something bright and filled with hope: a Song of Praise—a praise to the wonderfulness in our existence, to life, to nature.
The child’s voice has lots of specific qualities in expression and sound that are incomparable with anything. There is an inspiration of traditional folk music; in the melodic and ornamental phrases and even in the voice technique. The characteristics are a clear use of chest voice and a sort of shouting voice called “kulning”.
The texts are collected from the Swedish book of Psalms and the Bible.
Throughout the times, some of our greatest poets have created some of the lyrics for the psalms with an unfailing perception of the language’s potential of melody, a fine sense of simplicity and beauty.
The piece is in three parts; shimmery bright– compelling dark – intensely bright
– Karin Rehnqvist, August 21, 2003
While working with “Ljus av Ljus”, Sweden’s minister of Foreign Affairs Anna Lindh was killed in September 2003. She worked her whole life with an enthusiastic energy for human rights and democracy. Her voice was clear and strong, and her message travelled great distances. She was, with all her courage and kindness herself, a shining light in our world.
I dedicate this piece to her.
English translation of the text for programme book, line by line
1.
Kindly over the earth shines,
a ray of celestial hope
Slowly, bounded by time,
eternity’s sun goes up.
Just so slowly that my eye
Is able to bear the beams
and comprehend the hidden word of the Lord.
(J-O Wallin)
In the east the sun rises,
and spreads gold in the sky.
She rises over the mountaintop,
shining on city and town.
She rises from the lovely coast,
where Paradise once lay.
She gives life and energy to the elderly,
and brings pleasure to the children.
(B S Ingeman)
She’s shining, she’s shining bright
2.
But like a bird swings up
and rises to the heights of heaven
He praises his God …
And his soul rises in heartfelt jubilation
towards the heavens on high.
(from medieval tradition)
3.
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
(Psalm 51:12)
Listen, does not the wisdom call out?
Does not understanding rasie her voice?
“To you, O men, I call out;
I raise my voice to all mankind.
You who are simple, gain prudence;
You who are foolish, gain understanding”.
(Proverbs 8: 1,4,5)
English translation of 1 and 2, by Linda Schenck
Light of Light – singable English version
1.
Gently o’er the earth the sky
Sends its rays of light to cry
Shining close to God on high
Sun eternal our reply
Slowly, kindly seeking wisdom
My heart opens to the Lord
Taking in his hidden word.
The sun ascends all robed in light
To paint the heavens gold.
She climbs the cliffs and shines so bright
Reflects on young and old.
She rises from the distant west
Where Paradise once lay
She shines upon the children’s best
Her splendid light each day.
She’s glorious,
She’s glorious now…
2.
So just as a bird is resplendent
And flies to the heavenly hall
While singing God’s praise …
Thus rises the soul
With joy let it fly
to heaven on high.
3.
Give me now my God
A pure, clean heart
And render a steadfast spirit.
Hear! Wisdom is calling
Hear, insight is raising its voice.
I’m calling and calling to you,
Mankind, now
I’m calling to you:
Gain prudence all ye ignorant
And you, ye foolish
Acquire a clean heart.
(Translation Linda Schenck, movt 3 based on Proverbs and Psalms)
Ljus av ljus was composed for Adolf Fredrik’s Girls’ Choir and Orchestre National de France, commissioned by Radio France, Swedish Radio and the Swedish Concert Institute. First performance at the Présences Festival in Paris on 31st of January 2004.
