When all is Darkness

When all is Darkness is an art-song I composed this past winter, with the text from St.Ignatius of Loyola, ‘Prayer Against Depression’. I remember hearing about St.Ignatius’ long battle against depression, and praying this prayer for the first time when I too was in a period of darkness and confusion. Not only did I feel God’s presence with me, but I was so inspired that I decided to write a piece using this text.

This piece follows a linear story from darkness to light, with the singer representing the person praying, and the piano representing their mental state. With complex polyrhythms, layered chromaticism and a strict 4/4 time signature representing a sort of desolate mental prison in the first half of the piece, the second half contains simple rhythms, diatonic harmony and no time signature to represent serenity, mental stability and freedom. Despite being based on a Catholic prayer, I hoped everyone can relate to this piece, and one day find peace in their lives too.