Sun on Water originated while I was living at the late Doris McCarthy’s home and studio, Fool’s Paradise, through the Doris McCarthy Artist-in-Residence Program of the Ontario Heritage Trust.

 

Sun on Water finds its inspiration in the mystery of winter sunrises on Toronto’s Scarborough Bluffs. The colours of the rising sun over Lake Ontario revealed a palpable silence and yearning from which the music emerged. The piece, written specially for Toronto’s Amadeus Choir, is for a capella choir and Tibetan singing bowl. The texts and musical influences come from Western sacred choral traditions, Middle Eastern rhythms, Hindu and Indic Ismaili Muslim devotion.

 

Sun on Water begins quietly as deep waters rumble underneath. Sonic layers reflect the yearning of the sun and water, like lover and beloved, for each other. A burst of sun breaks forth. Yet, as the sun’s rays shimmer on the surface of the lake, the deep water still echoes their mutual yearning for ultimate union.

 

Surya

Sun, Supreme Light.

 

Nayno(n) se nayn milavo, mere Saheb

Let my eye meet with yours, my Lord/Master/Beloved

 

De profundis clamavi ad te Domine:

Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, O Lord.

 

Domine exaudi vocem meam

Lord, hear my voice.