Maranatha (from Organ Symphony No. 4) (1994)

Bernard Heyes (b. 1951) — Maranatha (from Organ Symphony No. 4) (1994)

“Organ Symphony No. 4” (1994) is dedicated to the memory of the composer’s mother, Helen Mary Heyes (1923–1994). “Maranatha” is an Aramaic word “Come, our Lord!” that appears in the New Testament, a prayer for the return of Christ. The trajectory of the symphony moves from the celebration of a life in the first movement to the intense lamentation of the third and finally reaching the joyous, rhythmic dance of the finale.

English composer Bernard J. D. Heyes (b. 1951) was born in Kent and began his musical studies at age 21. As a composer, he has focused particularly on music for the organ, most especially his extensive cycle of 18 organ symphonies. Heyes’s musical style draws on a variety of influences and diverse sources of inspiration including the natural world (especially gardens and trees), states of transcendence, ancient Greek philosophy, world cultures and places, life, death, and subatomic physics. The result is music of large scale that connects to the organ’s traditional repertoire while also speaking with a profound and individual voice.

Published by Heyes Music (bernardheyes.org.uk)