LA FIN DU COMMENCEMENT
Revelation cantata
30 years ago, a trilogy of cantatas was created, celebrating the birth, life and passion of Christ, based on the Biblical text; Today, a fourth cantata joins the others, based on the text of Revelation : La Fin du Commencement (The end of the beginning)
The book of Revelation is called le livre de l’Apocalypse’ in French. This word, like the book of Revelation, is often associated with disaster but the true meaning of Apocalypse is actually ‘revelation’ or ‘unveiling’.
The text is full of images that can be difficult to relate to, yet it strikes a chord today, with references that seem familiar in relation to elements of contemporary current events. Scens of horror and destruction alternate with those of joy, hope and reassurance. Some fear that the day will come when all this will become our reality. I get the feeling that we are already in the middle of it, and that we have been for some time.
But it’s only the end of the beginning
Concerts
Two launch concerts in November 2022 brought together members of choirs from different parishes of the Paris region, with soloists and professional musicians, at l’Eglise Protestante Unie du Marais and l’Eglise Protestante Unie de Belleville.
Programme – Présence Protestante on France 2 TV
With Anne Faisandier, pastor with l’Eglise Protestante Unie de France. Extracts of songs from La Fin du Commencement. With Alexia Rabé, Hannah Featherstone, Eva Helmlinger, Laurent Alfred, and John.
Participants in recording
Dave Leonard COOKE, instrumental arrangements, Olivier CHAMARD, Cyril BRATYNA engineers, Tony HARRIS, mixing, David BLACKMAN, mastering
Philippe DE POL, narration
Dave Leonard COOKE, piano, Manu ROBILLARD, bass, David ALLEVARD, drums
Olivier CLINE, conductor in studio
Hannah FEATHERSTONE, Judith FLESSEL-TOTO, Alexia RABE, NAWAL, Louise DEBAECKER, Leslie DELPLANQUE, Marie-Laure KLEVILLE, Eona TOUZET, Jean-Michel BEAUBRUN, Jean-Marc LERIGAB, Ludwig NESTOR, Mathis CAPIAUX, Matthew FEATHERSTONE, Manu VINCENT
Many thanks to Richard VAN DER AA pour the use of his painting, Beyond the Gate, Normandie Suite, 2021, Oilstick on paper, 50 x 50cm
Bible textes are from la Nouvelle Bible en Français Courant © Société biblique française – Bibli’O – With permission
