Hymn of Light from the Bridegroom Matins

Description

This introit drawn from the Byzantine tradition sets a text in Church Slavonic over a simple drone. A solo voice and aleatoric verse provide a unique set of textures to open any concert or worship and music event.

I see your bridal chamber completely engulfed with light, O my Savior, and I do not have a wedding garment to enter and enjoy your brightness; fill the garment of my soul with light, and save me, O Lord, save me.

PERFORMANCE RECOMMENDATIONS
This setting makes for an excellent introit or processional with the choristers either in performance position or in the round. Begin with the tenors and basses in drone on the given pitches on either a hum or pure vowel such as [u] or [ɑ]. All sopranos and altos should sing the melody in unison once through, followed by a male soloist who should sing the melody from the back of the performance space and move forward as he sings. The third and final iteration of the melody should be the sopranos and altos singing through each phrase in an aleatoric style. After the final release, one could move directly into an anthem such as Tebye poyem of Rachmaninoff. The key of this piece should be adjusted to fit the needs of the ensemble and program.

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