" Antichristi " was composed from the texts of the four Gospels or the Epistles by Paul (some words have been added by the author). It is the common story of a personal ambition, the one of a wise man who wants to control a small sect 2000 years ago. Time has piously erased the least convenient elements. This man is called Saül de Tarse ; under the name of Paul he became the true founder of the christian church. First the ally of the Herodians and Pharisians and himself the author of numerous massacres, Saul goes to Damas. As he declared it later on, Jesus appeared to him on his way ( a blinding vision without any witness); during this encounter Christ makes him into his main apostle in pagan territories.
Thus self-proclaimed, Paul annexes the image of Christ and spreads it energetically; in the meanwhile he changes somewhat the Christ's message. Many people suspect Paul of being the Antichrist whom John and Luke denounce.
This orchestral piece has been inspired by Padre Pio's unconventional life. His modesty as well as his humility were infinite. He is today considered as if he had not really belonged to our world. Even the spiteful anger and furor of those -clergymen first- who criticized and humiliated him along his life, tend to reinforce this impression.
Considered very early a saint man, his convent soon became (and still is) a place of pilgrimage. When stigmata show on his body, he is immediately isolated, away from his ministery, suspected of treachery and spying. Padre Pio was beatified in 1999 and canonised on June 16, 2002.
Considered very early a saint man, his convent soon became (and still is) a place of pilgrimage. When stigmata show on his body, he is immediately isolated, away from his ministery, suspected of treachery and spying. Padre Pio was beatified in 1999 and canonised on June 16, 2002.
This short piece (2005) dedicated to Padre Pio’s life will be the sketch of something larger …my opera in 2008/2009.
The symphonic poem "Prometheus" has for goal to translate expressively some of the episodes of the myth: nature before man's birth then its creation by Prometheus and - what we would call now - the transfer of knowledge; Zeus's jealousy and anger; the night falling on the earth. Hope reborn; the clandestine entrance of Prometheus in the sacred palace of Olympus then the theft of the fire and his escape; the final punishment. I did not mean to simply illustrate the sequence of a beautiful and fatal story.
Through the writing choices, my music also tries to underline the philosophical follow-ups of the myth. Zeus is here a very dark character, representing maybe the dark side of man himself. He is a hypocritical and evil-doing character. Very soon he reproaches Prometheus for the too vast knowledge that he taught humans; this knowledge as well as this mastery of nature may push them away from their devotions. Zeus cannot cope with the theft of the fire. His revenge, though not immediate, is terrible.
Through the writing choices, my music also tries to underline the philosophical follow-ups of the myth. Zeus is here a very dark character, representing maybe the dark side of man himself. He is a hypocritical and evil-doing character. Very soon he reproaches Prometheus for the too vast knowledge that he taught humans; this knowledge as well as this mastery of nature may push them away from their devotions. Zeus cannot cope with the theft of the fire. His revenge, though not immediate, is terrible.
On September 11, 2001, a milestone was passed in the long and inehaustable story of murders and massacres which mark the history of mankind : for the first time, innocent human beings were used as projectiles to kill other human beings at random. Through this cantata I have used the only mode I had to express my sympathy toward so many innocent victims
Through this cantata I have used the only mode I had to express my sympathy toward so many innocent victims. The musical composition is inspired by two poems written by amateur authors - first of them is American citizen, while the second is South African.
This cantata has been recorded in 2003 by the "Menestrels d’Antibes" vocal group and Sarah Guisol, soprano. Remastered in 2010.05.
This cantata has been recorded in 2003 by the "Menestrels d’Antibes" vocal group and Sarah Guisol, soprano. Remastered in 2010.05.
