A Magical Feeling

I just completed a new composition and I must say it’s really hard to describe how I feel right now…  It’s such a blissful feeling to be able to give birth to a new creation.  I’ve never written a blog right after a rough recording of a new piece so I wanted to describe what it’s like but find myself a bit at a loss for words.  It’s a truly magical feeling, a creative high – those are the only words that come to mind.
The melody had been stirring in my mind for the last two days but I hadn’t been able to record it because it was a full weekend and I was taking care of my children.  I did manage to sneak a couple of practises in between baking a cake and muffins with my children for my son’s birthday party!  As a result, I had even more of a burning desire to record it in the studio.  So after I put the children in bed tonight, I jumped at the opportunity to record the song.
The passage that I chose to set to music is one that I had already used about 10 years ago but I have forgotten the melody so I decided to start from scratch and something completely new was created!  I have loved this quote for a long time and have wanted to set it to music once again.  Here is the quotation that I’m using for this piece from Abdu’l-Baha:
‘O Thou the Compassionate God. Bestow upon me a heart which, like unto a glass, may be illumined with the light of Thy love, and confer upon me thoughts which may change this world into a rose garden through the outpourings of heavenly grace.’
There’s a repetative rhythm to this piece and i love the simplicity of it and yet I’ve added lots of harmonies as well.  I never quite know how a song will develop until I actually experiment with the recording of it and then I am able to layer the piece with vocal melodies and harmonies to fill in the gaps.  I have to be careful not to layer too much and get carried away as my passion is adding harmonies and echoes.  Again, since it’s really rough, I can’t share it with you yet, but I plan to record it properly for a future CD.  Any thoughts of titles for this piece?  I would love to hear your thoughts.
Elika at piano

5 Comments

    Walter Heath September 20, 2009Reply

    One of my favorite passages. As to a title, Heavenly Grace is the first thought I had. I can’t wait to hear it.
    Peace,
    Walter

    Anita September 21, 2009Reply

    Heavenly Grace sounds perfect!
    Love to the world, Anita

    jaleh September 22, 2009Reply

    Hi lovey El your blog is the very first message i have opened in 2 weeks since we left Nbi. I am so happy you are busy with recording and how is “Rose Garden”? or do you have another one is this name? I think of you all everyday and pray your next few CD’s will be out very soon. love you

    jaleh September 22, 2009Reply

    another name Light of Thy Love and of course Heavenly Grace too is great!

    Elika October 3, 2009Reply

    Hi Walter – I love the title ‘Heavenly Grace’. It is so befitting!
    Jalehjoon – I thought of calling the song ‘Rose Garden’ but I already have a song called ‘Rose of Love’ and ‘The Light in Thy Love’ so I didn’t think those would work and as soon as Walter suggested, ‘Heavenly Grace’ – I knew we had found the title that felt right. Thanks so much for your suggestions.

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