Michael-Thomas Foumai

Concerto for Orchestra

To the Ancient Egyptians the human soul is comprised of five entities, the Ren (name), Ba (soul), Sheut (Shadow), Ib (Heart) and Ka (Spirit). This ancient belief is the basis of the Concerto for Orchestra. The work is divided into three movements as a representation or musical abstraction of the life of ones soul or musical journey. Through each movement, the ideas of Name (melody), Soul (harmony), Shadow (form) and Heart (rhythm) are developed until the moment of Ka (catharsis) is reached when all five elements converge bringing about rebirth. Like the human soul, I have tried to translate the five parts of the human soul into the basic elements that create a piece of music. From birth, these musical elements are introduced, developed, reintroduced and by the end or death, only the essence remains, the soul.

Work Categories: Large Orchestra

ACO Performances

21st Underwood New Music Readings (2012)

June 1, 2012 8:00 am

Miller Theater at Columbia University

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