01 A Symphonic Prophecy

Seven Adventures

MUSIC FROM HEAVEN

A SYMPHONIC PROPHECY
A musical setting of the scripture II Cor.  4:6
PROGRAM NOTES


For God, Who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of  God in the face of Jesus  Christ---II Cor. 4:6


The piece begins with the heartbeat of God ("For God").  Strings are then enlisted to convey creation ("Who commanded the light to shine")---this section ending with a tonal split signifying male/female.  This is followed immediately by a primal rhythm in low reeds and percussion representing the fall of man ("out of darkness") presented in three parts.  This begins with the ehnic flute (an individual) and progresses through cold bells and strings to the handclaps and voices of a fallen world.

The individual retreats and the tubular bells signal the beginning of the wooing of the Holy Spirit ("has shined in our has hearts").  This is portrayed by full strings and high bells intertwining harmonies and major/minor progressions building to a cello and double bass unison.  This precedes the breaking forth of a harp which signifies the individual's response to the Holy Spirit.

The strings continues to build harmonically to a sustained harp interlude representing the moment of decision.  This is followed by the triumphal sound of salvation ("to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God") presented by a minor seventh chord and intertwining major/minor chords and outlining melodies.  This final section builds with horns to a climax of chimes and tympani ("in the face of Jesus Christ").
                                                                                Robert Rhodes

Robert H Rhodes