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Hymne de l'Univers (1997)

For orchestra (3333/4431, timp, 4perc, 2 harps, pf, strings: 16.14.12.10.8 ) - c. 10'

This symphonic poem is an orchestration of Naji Hakim's Te Deum for organ. It draws its inspiration from several sources, which share the praise and glory of the Creator of the Universe: Pierre Teilhard de Chardin's book entitled Hymne de l'Univers, the Song of the Three Jews in the blazing furnace from the Book of Daniel, Chapter 7 of the Revelation to John and the Gregorian Te Deum. The structure of Hakim's Hymne de l'Univers itself is based on the text of the Te Deum. The following epigraph introducing the movement is adapted from the Song of the Three Jews from the Book of Daniel.

'Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord, you heavens, you angels, all you waters, all you powers of the Lord, sun and moon, all you winds, fire and heat, nights and days, light and darkness, lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord. Let the earth bless the Lord.'

Bless the Lord mountains and hills, all that grows in the ground, seas and rivers, you springs, you whales and all that swims in the waters, all birds of the air, all wild animals and cattle, bless the Lord. Bless the Lord all people on earth, O Israel, you priests of the Lord, you servants of the Lord, spirits and souls of the righteous, you who are holy and humble in heart, bless the Lord. Sing praise to him, give thanks to him and highly exalt him forever.'