Luqman e Gabriele - A Symphonic Poem Full Orchestra - Digital Sheet Music

SKU: A0.1576905

"Luqman, your search ends here. I am the way to an immortal life. Henceforth, no more death for animals and human beings"

The opening sentence is a direct quote from the "Lokman Hekim" (Luqman) myth. This myth was recounted to Lokman Hekim, who, tired from his arduous quest for ways to conquer death and attain immortality, heard the tale while in a state of slumber. The myth is deeply rooted in the region of Adana, Çukurova, a place celebrated for its natural beauty and abundance, a setting that has significantly influenced the narrative. The musical composition finds its inspiration in the extraordinary encounter between Lokman Hekim and Gabriel the Archangel, who assumed the guise of an elderly impoverished man. The unfolding of this captivating narrative has been artfully transformed into a "Symphonic Poem," capturing its essence and spirit through music. The creation of this musical piece was commissioned by Orhan Şallıel for the "International Conducting Competition in Memoriam of Maestro Ferit Tüzün," marking a significant inaugural event within the musical sphere of Turkey.

The "Luqman and Gabriel Symphonic Poem" is centered around Luqman's relentless research in search of a solution to conquer death and his pivotal encounter with Gabriel the Archangel. The entire myth is eloquently depicted in a series of six succinct musical vignettes, each serving as a vivid picture that encapsulates the essence of the narrative.

1. Death:

The asymmetric rhythmic structure and non-melodic motifs in this section symbolize the phenomenon of "Death" and its inherent unpredictability.

2. The Laugh of Lucifer:

In this iteration of the myth, Luqman, having successfully overcome every illness and buoyed by the self-esteem that this situation fosters, begins to fixate on the concept of death. He finds himself haunted continuously by the mocking laughter of Lucifer, also known as the master of death, ringing in his ears. The trumpet motif poignantly symbolizes this laughter during the second part of the composition.

3. Search:

In this segment, his research delves into the quest to unravel the mysteries of the phenomenon of death. After an extensive period of searching, he ultimately discovers the immortality plant in the Seyhan Region of Adana.

4. Meeting with Archangel Gabriel:

Upon Luqman's discovery of the immortality plant, Archangel Gabriel descends to Earth in disguise as an elderly man. He intercepts Luqman on the Seyhan River's Bridge, imploring him not to bestow immortality upon humanity and advising the destruction of the plant. Despite the old man's counsel, Luqman remains resolute. Only when the elderly man reveals himself as Archangel Gabriel does Luqman comprehend the true nature of humans—their inherent cruelty and malevolence, leading to war, suffering, and pain.

In this particular section, the Harp symbolizes the Kanun, an Eastern ethnomusical instrument. The Harp gives an ad libitum improvisation, akin to the taksim in Turkish classical music, representing Gabriel the Archangel and portraying his monologue to Luqman.

5. Awakening:

Upon realizing the true nature of humanity, Luqman, engulfed by the weight of this revelation, hurls the immortality plant into the depths of the Seyhan River, ensuring its destruction. The lyrical essence of this segment poignantly symbolizes Luqman's psychological turmoil and the somber truth about human beings.

6. Death and the Laugh of Lucifer:

With the annihilation of the immortality plant, the concept of death emerges triumphant. The malevolent laughter of Lucifer amplifies, resonating with greater intensity. The concluding part compellingly symbolizes, once again, the unpredictability and stark reality of death, conveyed through a steadfast and resolute demeanor.