These excerpts are for the Egypt enthusiasts who are looking for something different from Verdi's Aida, something with a more authentic feel. When writing for the score of Akhnaten the composer Philip Glass drew upon the writings in ancient Egyptian, Hebrew, Akkadian and the language of the country where it is performed. The staging gives the appearance of being more authentically Egyptian than any grand production of Aida.
Hymn to Aten – mostly English; some Hebrew; magical setting
Funeral of Amenhotep III – in Egyptian; note hand gestures
I once saw a video of Aida staged on an ancient Egyptian site. The performance used Egyptian soldiers as extras. I was interested to see that quite a lot of them were reincarnated from the army that garrisoned the site in ancient times.
There was quite a strong energy in the performance.
Post by stewartedwards on May 5, 2013 16:43:14 GMT 9.5
This is, for me, a very important area of my own esoteric development.
1. Ancient Egypt, and indeed Egpyt today, is a beacon to me. 2. My body tingles if I am calm and relaxed enough im museums when I pass certain exhibits. Clearly I have considered air conditioning etc, which could be the answer, but I have tested it accross museums and there is a clear pattern re time, though it is only perhaps 70-80% accurate. Sadly it has become more difficult since my spinal stenosis set in and since one museum gutted and redeveloped enclosing open objects in glass (though that hasnt been a problem in other museums). It is almost as if the place has been sterilised though staff tell me that the funders were very insistent on keping the feel of the place - they have sadly failed - and the guides tell me others have said the same. 3. Aida - suprisingly this opera has never really done it for me, which is unexpected. Opera I love deeply but this one I just can't get into. 4. Once in a museum I found myself tingling and I was facing a mummy that turned out to be an Amun priest form Karnak - I sensed that he was not very happy to see me. Shortly after saying this on thefreemason.com a decade ago the mummy was coincidentally removed from display. 5. The Lion book that has recently been discussed here, only about 10 pages in but I am glued to every word. Objectively some of it is a little unusual but most of it ressonates well with me. Explains quite a lot.
So a big thank you all for recent threads have aided me enormously as I move myself from in the past trying to make sense of it all while wondering if I was going slowly insane, to cautious positive learning and reflection to trying to drive our world a bit further forwards. Can only hope that Europe is ready for me!
Last Edit: May 5, 2013 16:44:52 GMT 9.5 by stewartedwards
A Simple Man, who tried and failed to reilluminate this planet.
Slogging Scotsman Ma’at Ankh Re
Who am I trying to kid for I can’t even resolve family darkness. Whoever is next to step up, please do.
These excerpts are for the Egypt enthusiasts who are looking for something different from Verdi's Aida, something with a more authentic feel. When writing for the score of Akhnaten the composer Philip Glass drew upon the writings in ancient Egyptian, Hebrew, Akkadian and the language of the country where it is performed. The staging gives the appearance of being more authentically Egyptian than any grand production of Aida.
Hymn to Aten – mostly English; some Hebrew; magical setting
Funeral of Amenhotep III – in Egyptian; note hand gestures
Akhnaten & Nefertiti; an unusual love duet
I think both the staging and the music are interesting although a little different from what we're used to in the English speaking world.
Distant peaks emerge....clear as day. The hermit's lantern turns to guide the way. Hermit's Way - F. J. Rogers