Work in Progress
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I am inviting a small group of musicians and singers to join me from time to time at Emerald Cottage to discover and co-create a style of musical expression I will call Sabian Music.
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We will use specific sacred phrases, mostly in Arabic and Aramaic, to accompany improvised pieces within a particular, often modal scale. This scale is reminiscent of the mysticism of the Middle East that gave rise to Sabian Mysteries and Sufism, also the Aramaic prayers of Jesus and older, Sumerian and Babylonian devotional expression.
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All of those invited seem to me to be able to tune in to the mysterious field of sacredness that surrounds us and allow themselves to respond gently and passionately to this 'cosmic music' without imposing overmuch self-determination, so that we can bring to life and hear its tones and rhythms.
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The drummers are asked to underpin the rhythms mostly as an understated feeling rather than a driving force. The singers are asked to feature the given sacred phrase in their improvisations. All are asked to listen and feel as they play.
This must be seen at first as experimental, yet certain pieces will begin to take shape and a repertoire can develop. Non-musicians who enjoy meditation would also add something appropriate to the mix. |
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To explain the phrase Sabian Music Sabians are said to have existed in the Middle East at the dawn of civilisation, long before Stonehenge and the Pyramids. It is quite possible that Sabian Mysteries are the seed material for all subsequent spiritual philosophy in the Middle East, including Sufism. Such philosophy centres around the idea that music is the best metaphor for sacredness and easiest access to wisdom. |
