• Kaija Saariaho
  • Changing Light (for soprano and violin) (2002)

  • Chester Music Ltd (World)
  • S + vn
  • Soprano
  • 6 min
  • translated from the Hebrew by Rabbi Jules Harlow
  • English

Programme Note

The piece has been written for Edna Michell's Compassion project. In the composition I follow the idea of a dialogue, suggested by the text I have chosen. The intimate nature and fragile sound world of the duo mirror the fragility of our uncertain existence.

© Kaija Saariaho

Light and darkness, night and day.
We marvel at the mystery of the stars.
Moon and sky, sand and sea.
We marvel at the mystery of the sun.
Twilight, high noon, dusk and dawn.
Though we are mortal, we are Creation’s crown.
Flesh and bone, steel and stone.
We dwell in fragile, temporary shelters.
Grant steadfast love, compassion, grace.
Sustain us, Lord; our origin is dust.
Splendor, mercy, majesty, love endure.
We are but little lower than the angels.
Resplendent skies, sunset, sunrise.
The grandeur of Creation lifts our lives.
Evening darkness, morning dawn.
Renew our lives as You renew all time.

© Rabbi Jules Harlow

Reprinted from “Siddur Sim Shalom”, page 280, edited by Jules Harlow
© Copyright 1985 by The Rabbinical Assembly

Reproduction with Reprint Licence only. Please visit the Licensing Section of the website to apply.

Media

Barrière, De Mones

Scores

Sample Pages

Discography

More Info

  • Kaija Saariaho Memorial Concert
    • Kaija Saariaho Memorial Concert
    • 11th July 2023
    • Savonlinna Opera Festival pays tribute to Kaija Saariaho with a memorial concert of her vocal and chamber works.