• Maja S. K. Ratkje
  • Revelations (This Early Song) (2017)

  • Edition Wilhelm Hansen Copenhagen (World)
  • 2vn.va.vc
  • Ms
  • 55 min

Programme Note

I – we – thou – who – ye – that – this – what – not – bark – worm – hand – fire – ashes – mother – man – black – old – spit – pull – hear – give – flow

A collection of 23 words, so-called cognates that the language scientists say are connecting all the languages of the Eurasian continent 15.000 years back in time, is the point of departure for this new work. Among the words, are the most robust pronouns, but also words like ‘bark’ (from the tree), ‘worm’ and the verb ‘to spit’, words that are no longer in normal daily use. What can the words tell us about who we are and our civilisation? Poet Aasne Linnestå and composer Maja S. K. Ratkje weave the words in with new sounds and poems and wish to give the words new colours of our own time.

There are nine parts that constitute Revelations (This Early Song) with remarks for staging and direction. Can also be performed as a concert piece, the whole piece or single parts.

Commissioned by Ultima Oslo Contemporary Music Festival. Premiered by Marianne Beate Kielland and Engegård Quartet, Jakob kirke Sept 9, 2017.

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