The Universal Harmony of Light (2003)

The music of English composer Keith Barnard (b. 1950) explores a deep emotional terrain through a personal musical language forged through years of intense spiritual exploration. His mystical style draws together diverse influences, including the traditional Romantic pianistic tradition represented by Chopin and Liszt, the coloristic French impressionism of Debussy and Ravel, the 20th century mysticism of Alan Hovhaness and, above all, the music and philosophy of Alexander Scriabin. As an active pianist himself, Barnard has frequently appeared in concert throughout Europe performing his own works for piano. His music for the instrument ranges from short pieces up to "The Secret Tones of the Divine Spheres," a one-movement piano work of nearly three hours duration. Besides piano music, he has written a chamber opera, four orchestral symphonies, concerti for cello, piano, and organ, and numerous chamber works. In the recent years, at the suggestion of organist Carson Cooman, he has composed a series of organ works including, "The Purest Silence of the Divine," an evening-length organ cycle.

About this work, the composer writes: "'The Universal Harmony of Light' for organ was composed in 2003 and is dedicated to Carson Cooman. The work expresses the unique power of the presence of God. Over a short time frame the static harmonies portray a wonderful pure colour spectrum which then culminate into the pure white architectural light of cosmic consciousness."