Three Meditations
for chamber choir
(2024)
1. AUM
2. balance
3. breath
durations: 3:35, 4:05, 2:25
recordings (MIDI - all "aaa" sound and no words):
MIDI of AUM
MIDI of balance
MIDI of breath
Perusal Score:
Program Note:
These three meditative choral movements are settings of ancient Hindu mantras practiced all over the world. Aum or Om is often referred to as the sound of the universe and consists of four sounds - a (as in father), u (as in moon), m, and silence. In Sanskrit, the a followed by u combine to make a long o sound. Many traditions have words using these sounds, like Amen or Shalom. Namah Shivaya is known as the Panchakshara Mantra, or five-syllable mantra, which is often preceded by Om. The five syllables represent the elements: Na (earth), mah (water), Shi (fire), va (air), ya (space). Namah means to bow; Shivaya means Shiva, or inner, higher or cosmic self. The five elements are the building blocks of everything in creation, including the human body, and Shiva is the master of these five elements. The repetition of these syllables is thought to create a vibration that resonates with the energy of the universe, bringing about a sense of peace and harmony. Soham (pronounced sohum) translates to "I am He/She/That" and reflects the sound of one's breath: “so” on the inhalation and “hum” with the exhalation. The hamsa (humsa) mantra translates as “Who am I?”
David Dzubay, April 2024
