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Glenalmond Suite (2007) |
For organ solo - c. 10'
In the same way that the pastor has a mission to gather the community, and go out, such as the Good Shepherd, to find the sheep that has gone astray, the bell has a mission to summon the faithful to the common Assembly, to reach out for the farthest ones, to wake up the dozing ones and stimulate the indifferent. This suite is based on the Glenalmond chime. The music prolongs here the christian symbolism of the bells to comment biblical quotations referring to the Good Shepherd. The opening movement, Strømmende (Streaming), develops the chime melody in a cantabile style, with a lively coda. In the second movement, Favnende (Embracing), the theme is articulated with ostinato figures and dark harmonic colour. The middle section, scherzando, prepares a clear diatonic recapitulation. Smilende (Smiling) is characterized by its light texture and registration (flutes 4 and manuals alone). Jublende (Jubilating) is a more developed movement combining rondo-sonata and variation forms. ”Now the God of peace, who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13, 20-21
Strømmende (streaming)
”The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth m e beside the still waters.” Psalm 23, 1-2
Favnende (Embracing)
”If a man have a hundred sheep and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if it so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more over that sheep than over the ninety and nine which went not astray.” Mat. 18, 12-13
Smilende (Smiling)
”Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.” Psalm 23, 5
Jublende (Jubilating)
”Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.” Psalm 23, 6
© Naji Hakim 2007