Abba (𐡀ב𐡀)

Programme notes

The title Abba (pronounced ā-bā, written 𐡀ב𐡀) is the Aramaic word for Father. This work for organ, opus 82, was composed in 2011 and closely follows the structure and sentiment of the Lord's Prayer.

The history of the Lord's Prayer is fascinating and complex, having undergone numerous textual transformations over time. The specific text that inspired the composer is the traditional Latin version (Pater Noster):

PATER noster, qui es in caelis, sanctificetur nomen tuum.

Adveniat regnum tuum.

Fiat voluntas tua, sicut in caelo et in terra.

Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie,

et dimitte nobis debita nostra sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris.

Et ne nos inducas in tentationem, sed libera nos a malo. Amen.

The music follows the text closely. Interspersed between each verse of the prayer, the composer, Casteels, quotes from Felix Mendelssohn's Organ Sonata nr. 6, opus 65 nr. 6.

Analysis

see Abba (2012) under Articles

Handwritten sketches and drafts

to be found under the title Pater Noster on page 150 of the red cover, A4 size, 377 pages sketchbook

Completion of the composition 

25-XI-2011