Composer Notes

I. Hear Us, O Never-Failing Light

In the 8th century the Iberian Peninsula came under Islamic rule, causing many Christians and Jews to migrate north. Those who remained came to be known as “assimilated Arabs” or Mozarabs. While never fully achieving the same social status as Muslims, Mozarabs were granted certain legal protections including the freedom to practice their own faith. As Mozarab communities flourished over the next three centuries, the coexistence of these diverse cultures influenced art and architecture, literature, and law. The Mozarabic Christian church developed its own prayers and chants as well an entire litergy distint from that of Rome, including the blessing of the Easter Eve candle set to music in “Hear Us, O Never-Failing Light.”

The Iberian Peninsula’s comfortable distance from Rome kept the Vatican’s powerful arm at bay until the 11th century, when Pope Gregory VII set out to destroy what he called “The Toledo Heresy.” Papal forces drove the Muslims out of the region and abolished all Mozarabic practices, replacing them with those of Rome. Today the Mozarabic rite is still celebrated by a handful of devotees, including a Mozarabic brotherhood in Toledo and a Poor Claire community in Madrid.

II. Luminous Awakening

Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179) was a German nun, theologian, writer, composer, mystic and magistra, or spiritual teacher, who founded and led convents in Rupertsburg and Eibingen. Her plainsong settings of chants, with both original and liturgical texts, were composed for the use of her fellow nuns. Recent decades have brought a resurgent interest in her music, along with thousands of publications, performances and recordings.

“Luminous Awakening” is a setting of Hildegard’s psalm antiphon, “Spiritus Sanctus Vivificans.” My new translation of the Latin text makes clear the dynamic, ever-changing nature of the holy spirit, breathing new life into every being “again and again and again.”
of change

III. Holy One, Source of Radiance and Reason

Rev. Rob Eller-Isaacs’ small prayer “Holy One, Source of Radiance and Reason” invokes a divine presence both mysterious and rational. It also celebrates a faith that moves and works “within, among and beyond,” stretching outward from an individual’s personal spirituality in order to bless the whole world.

Rob’s Unitarian Universalist ministry was shaped by his upbringing on the south side of Chicago, his training at Starr King School for the Ministry, and his commitment to the work of churches in diverse and dynamic urban communities. His church ministries in Boston, MA and Whittier, CA were followed by three decades of co-ministry with his wife Rev. Janne Eller-Isaacs in Oakland, CA and St. Paul, MN.