Seven Parables of the Rising Dawn is based on a medieval text attributed to Thomas Aquinas, the great scholar and saint. It was largely forgotten for nearly 700 years before being rediscovered by C.G. Jung, who recognized it as a model for his theory of psychological maturation, which he called “Individuation”.  The text takes the form of seven dramatic dialogs between the author and a Divine female figure called Sophia, or Wisdom, which describe a process of transformation in which both Sophia and the saint experience a fall into darkness and a subsequent long, painful return to the light. Their quest is ultimately one of self-discovery and a deeper understanding of the presence of the divine spark within each individual.

In this piece, the parables take the form of a cycle of seven songs, played without break. The music makes use of a contemporary harmonic idiom, while also quoting from various plainchant hymns and polyphonic music from the 11th-13th centuries which St.Thomas would have known. These include Ave Maris Stella, Perotin’s Viderunt Omnes, and most importantly, Regina Caeli, which functions as a musical Idée fixe throughout.

Parable 1. Of the Darkness in the Earth

Come children!

Listen to me!

And I will teach you the science of God!

For I am a gift and a sacrament of the Holy One, Blessed be He.

I am a tree of Life to those who approach me

And my fruit is more precious than all the wealth of the world.

Length of days and health are in my right hand,

And in my left are glory and unfailing Light!

Parable 2. Of the Black Flood

From far away,

Across the dark sea

I see a huge cloud

I see a huge cloud looming black over the whole world.

This darkness drains my life

This darkness drains my life

and shadows my soul.

The sea has poured over me

and I have drowned!

Parable 3. The Prison of Iron

Where is the one who can break the chains of this prison?

Where is the one who can break these bars of iron

And deliver my soul from this Hell?

That I may sleep in peace, and be cleansed from my secret faults.

Parable 4. The Science of God

In the darkness

I see a wondrous Light!

I shall separate the Light from the darkness!

I shall make all the black white;

and all the white like a ruby!

First set the earth on fire!

Then add water to the ashes,

And let the rain of Heaven dissolve the hardness of your heart.

Then bring to the surface the soul deeply hidden,

To make the earthly body spiritual,

So that the Holy One will fill the whole world!

Parable 5. The Treasure House

I shall build for us a house

Where we will be saved,

And find green pasture.

I stand at the gate and knock

And if you open to me I will come to you.

For if you open the door

You will find inside a living fountain that giveth youth,

and length of days,

and you will never grow old!

Parable 6. All Things Serve the Earth!

All the beasts of the woods run about!

For in the Earth is water,

Bringing forth grass for cattle,

Bringing forth fruit and bread,

And wine that cheers the heart of all!

For all things serve the Earth!

Parable 7. The Dialogue of the Lover and the Beloved

Come beloved!

And possess the kingdom prepared for you,

And turn to me with all your heart.

For I am the dawn!

The mother of fair love and Holy hope.

I am the fruitful vine

From which comes the bread of life,

Which the poor shall seek and find,

And their hearts shall live forever

Let us go into the garden,

And let the flowers be our crown.

Let us go into the garden,

For the night is past,

And the new day is at hand.

Let us go into the garden,

And see how good it is,

To dwell in love,

Together.

Let us go…

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