"The Creation" Symphony was written over the course of two years, and is based on the Creation story from the Book of Genesis in the Bible. Composed of 8 movements, the Overture begins with a 70 second long 'G' to represent the eternal existence of God. The movement proceeds to represent the voice of God as the main theme, as well as musically representing the characteristics of God throughout. The theme for the voice of God is represented in each day as well. The following seven movements represent each day of Creation as described in Genesis. Each movement, or day, ends with a repeated theme of evening and morning. For a full commentary on the work, please email Chris at chris@karpusdesign.com.
OVERTURE
DAY 5
DAY 7
Scores
DAY 1
DAY 2
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Based on it's namesake, "Psalm 13" represents King David's struggle with his perceived separation from God, his prayer and salvation; possibly pointing to the point in his rule where his son, Absalom, was conspiring against him. The first of the three sections gives voice to the deep emotional anguish David felt as he continued to withstand the trials, hurt and pain - crying out to God with his series of "how long" petitions. The musical theme of this section begins with an almost vacuous heaviness and laborious movement through the basses and bassoons, painting the picture of a seemingly hopeless man arduously trudging through his perceived abandonment. The second section of the piece represents David's prayer and response to his pain and circumstances - crying out to God for peace and victory. This section begins with the piano repeating a running etude response to the pain, demonstrating a resolve and change - in contrast to the first section's pleas. His resolve builds to the third section: the climax of the piece with David's declaration of his trust in God and His salvation. The Psalm concludes with David worshipping God in spite of the trials. Musically, the strings calmly breathe peacefully as the theme for the voice of God from "The Creation" Symphony gently resolves the final section and piece.
Psalm 13
For the director of music. A psalm of David.
1 How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and day after day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?
3 Look on me and answer, Lord my God.
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death,
4 and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,”
and my foes will rejoice when I fall.
5 But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
6 I will sing the Lord’s praise,
for he has been good to me.
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"Psalm 57" is also based on it's namesake from the Bible. Originally, this piece was written for an orchestra and choir. While only the instrumental version is currently available, the dream of the full choir version still remains a dream. The Psalm was written by King David as he hid from King Saul in a cave...though fully anointed by God to be the true king. The melody of the work is based on the actual text of the Psalm, and represents the emotion and stress represented by the text.
Psalm 57
1 Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me,
for in you I take refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings
until the disaster has passed.
2 I cry out to God Most High,
to God, who vindicates me.
3 He sends from heaven and saves me,
rebuking those who hotly pursue me—[c]
God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.
4 I am in the midst of lions;
I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts—
men whose teeth are spears and arrows,
whose tongues are sharp swords.
5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.
6 They spread a net for my feet—
I was bowed down in distress.
They dug a pit in my path—
but they have fallen into it themselves.
7 My heart, O God, is steadfast,
my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and make music.
8 Awake, my soul!
Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.
9 I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
I will sing of you among the peoples.
10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.
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"Requiem 19" was written to honor the memory of those lost to the Covid 19 pandemic. The requiem, or mass for the dead, represents themes of memories, the fight for life, death and the heroism of healthcare workers.
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This First Movement of String Quartet No. 1 was written as the first of a multi-movement Christmas quartet - representing Bethlehem at the time of Jesus' birth. Visually, this piece paints a picture of a quiet countryside where shepherds guard their sheep. Though angels are about to visit them and bring life to the night sky, the piece quietly goes on to describe the conversation between heaven and earth. Musically, this is represented by echoing melodic lines, intertwining at the conclusion, just prior to the birth of the Son of God.