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about

Guardian Angel is an acapella piece inspired by the liturgical music of the Eastern Orthodox Church. The musical style, called Byzantine chanting, consists of a drone note to which several vocal interventions are added to support the liturgical text, which is read by a priest in an almost musical-like manner, similar to opera recitatives. Traditionally, the only musical instrument allowed in the Orthodox Church is the human voice. The poem’s daring theme suggests an association of identity between divinity – the Guardian Angel – and the telluric plane, illustrated by the object of the author’s carnal desire - the girl. In further exploring the slightly blasphemous tone of the poem, I decided not only to give the part to an actress, as opposed to an actor, but also to make the female voice the focal point of this piece. This aesthetic choice comes in direct opposition with the vigorous rules of the Church, which is notoriously restrictive towards women, stating that all hymns are to be sung by men. This poem is read by Hannah Briggs.

lyrics

When my soul lay awake late last night, did it seem
That I saw my good angel come down as in a dream,
Engirdled with moonlight and silver star gleam,
And hover above me with wings wide outspread.
But you, when he spied, in your snowy white dress,
O child of sweet wonder, and secret caress,
Quite awed and astonished my guardian fled.
Good child, are you demon that just at one glance
Of your eyes through their lashes thrown softly askance
My angel and friend left his long vigilance?
O guardian angel, come back, do not flee
For this girl... But no, let your long lashes fall,
That your pale lovely features again I recall,
For you... you are he.

credits

from Poems: A Collaboration in Space and Time, released January 15, 2020
poem by Mihai Eminescu
translation by Corneliu M. Popescu
read by Hannah Briggs
vocals & music by Adina Nelu

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Adina Nelu Manchester, UK

Romanian-born composer for film and media whose work explores the boundaries between narrative-driven music and sonic storytelling.

Commissioned by the likes of BBC New Creatives and the GMCA, she is a HMUK Do it Differently Fund awardee and was recently selected for BAFTA Crew 2021.

Currently developing a female-centred vocal EP with the support of Help Musicians UK. ... more

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