Komak

Komak (2016-22)

-for Mezzo Soprano, Violin and Violoncello

Duration: approx. 7 minutes

Range - C4 to G5.

Download includes the full score along with individual parts for Violin and Violoncello.

In 2016 I was commissioned by Cheryl Pickering of Various People Inc. to compose a work for Mezzo-Soprano, Violin and Oud for the new multi-art form work The Migration of Souls. The text, a selection of prayers from the Baháʼí faith, as well as three melodies created and sung to remember the prayers, were shared with me by Iranian film-maker Mojgan Khadem. The creation of these songs sat somewhere between composing and arranging: I felt the necessity to remain true to the original melodies, but also had free reign to reinterpret the settings harmonically and texturally through the use of the accompanying instruments.

The resulting work was 'Three Persian Prayers'. All three prayers emphasise the power of vulnerability and demonstrate expressions of faith and hope in the face of uncertainty. Komak is a prayer for help and protection, and a proclamation of the all-seeing and all-knowing sovereign Lord.

The work, along with the other two Persian Prayers, are also available in arrangements for Mezzo Soprano, Violin and Oud/Guitar, and Mezzo-Soprano, Violin and Piano. Please contact the composer if you are interested in any of these versions.



Komak

Oh God, help me

Oh Thou the protector, protect me (from desire)

Oh Thou my confidence and my friend, give me some relief (from cruelty and bloodshed)

O Thou the most Mighty and Powerful, make me steadfast (give me entrance into Paradise)

Oh God, help me to do the right thing

Help me in this world. Help me in the world to come.

Thou art the most Powerful, Oh God

Thou art potent to do what Thou willest, the most Mighty, oh Protector

Thou art my Guide and my Refuge, oh Confidante, of Friend

Thou art the all-seeing and all-hearing

Thou art the all-knowing, the all-wise

Oh our Sovereign Lord

Help me, protect me, give me some relief

Thou art God in this world. Thou art God in the world to come

Thou art God in every world of existence.

Help me. Help me.

Help…

Traditional Baháʼí prayer; Translation by Mojgan Khadem