The Work by Prach Boondiskulchok

The Work sets an extract from Rabbi Tarfon’s teaching in Pirkei Avot. With its almost zen-teaching-like contradictory nature, this short sentence invites the listener to contemplate the nature of our life pursuits or work. Sung alongside the English translation, the Hebrew text is set on very long notes, like a cantus firmus in early Renaissance vocal settings. The English, on the other hand, unfolds quickly but in a fragmented manner, gradually revealing the meanings of each phrase, often contradicting itself. The piece culminates in the word libatail and liberty, while the two languages sound almost the same, the music splits into two completely different textures: one joyous and free, and another an intensifying demand or protest.

Commissioned by Blake Meike for Jerry, Sally, Rusty, Annemarie, Mercy and Roger Meike.