Repertoire
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Songs of Master Peter Deunov
Peter Deunov, also known as Beinsa Douno, was a Bulgarian spiritual figure from the early 20th century, and the founder of the Universal White Brotherhood. He is best known for his spiritual teachings, which combine Christianity, universal spirituality, and a deep connection with nature.
The songs of Peter Deunov are not merely simple melodies but spiritual hymns intended to elevate the soul and harmonize the spirit with the divine. They are imbued with a profound vibration, designed to heal, inspire, and connect the individual with cosmic forces. Deunov believed that music was a direct way to communicate with the invisible and that these songs had the power to transform the inner state of those who sang or listened to them.
The texts of these songs are often simple, but they carry a universal message of peace, love, and brotherhood. They are accompanied by soft and meditative melodies, facilitating a state of contemplation and prayer. Deunov’s songs are sung collectively during gatherings of the White Brotherhood, often outdoors, surrounded by nature, which amplifies their healing and communal power.
These songs are not just musical works but spiritual practices in their own right, intended to balance internal energies, purify the mind, and align the individual with universal laws. They embody the essence of Peter Deunov’s teachings, which advocated for a harmonious life in accordance with natural and divine laws.
Omraam Mikhaël Aïvanhov, a disciple of Peter Deunov, adopted these songs and consciously used choral work for the spiritual growth of disciples:
“When you sing together, remind yourself that you have not only the opportunity to work on yourself first but also on the whole world! In fact, the harmony you create gradually spreads and affects all creatures in the universe. With an individualistic philosophy, with an individualistic pursuit, can one form a choir? No, you do a solo, that’s all. But when many are involved, a choir forms. Working alone and solely for oneself is not enough. Of course, everyone must work individually—for a community must be composed of well-developed individuals—but without ever losing sight of the collective interest. The new philosophy does not reject the old one, that of individual improvement, but individual improvement must always be able to serve the good of all. You may not have thought about it, but here it is: belonging to a choir gives us a lesson for conducting our whole life.”
A significant repertoire of Peter Deunov’s melodies has been harmonized for four-part singing. Notably, the work of Gilles Hainault stands out, with his remarkable harmonization and interpretation efforts in the Jaffray community in Canada and in Russia with professional choirs.
Songs of Ola Gjeilo
Ola Gjeilo is a contemporary Norwegian composer, widely recognized for his choral compositions that skillfully blend classical traditions with a modern sensibility. His songs, particularly appreciated by choirs worldwide, are distinguished by their atmospheric beauty, emotional depth, and ability to create immersive soundscapes.
Gjeilo’s works are deeply rooted in the sacred choral tradition but are also marked by influences from jazz and film music, resulting in a rich and accessible musical writing style. His compositions are characterized by lush harmonies, expressive melodies, and a keen sense of rhythm and movement, often creating a feeling of serenity or deep contemplation.
Gjeilo’s music often evokes images of nature and the Norwegian landscape, reflecting his love for the vast expanses and tranquility of his homeland’s fjords and mountains. His choral works also feature an apparent simplicity that conceals harmonic and structural complexity, offering a rich auditory experience for the listener.
Ultreia is particularly inspired by the work on light that emanates from his compositions, which is evident in titles such as Northern Lights or Sunrise Mass. Although his music is decidedly contemporary, it draws its roots from the oldest traditions: Ubi Caritas recalls Maurice Duruflé’s work in harmonizing Gregorian chant in a flexible rhythmic manner. Ave Generosa connects us with the medieval musical tradition through the text of St. Hildegard von Bingen. Ola Gjeilo manages to create modern works while remaining in harmony with the divine principles that govern humanity.
Renaissance Repertoire
For more than 150 years, composers from across Europe composed and improvised according to the same rules, derived from a deep understanding of the natural laws governing music. This system synthesizes Gregorian monodies, allowing them to be superimposed and intertwined harmoniously with one another, giving them a rhythmic form.
The principle of imitation, the most common example being the canon, governs all compositions of this style. The idea of a divine creative principle (the initial melody often derived from Gregorian chant) is then imitated and taken up by all the other voices, just as man must strive to draw closer to his creator by imitating him in all things.
The intersection of several superimposed melodies creates tensions and dissonances, which are resolved without ever disturbing the harmonious balance of the whole.
Gregorian Chant
Returning to the roots of Western musical tradition, Gregorian chant, named after Pope Gregory the Great (6th century), has been the foundation of sacred repertoire for over 1,500 years.
A true blessing for the voice, it is a magnificent school for learning to sing. Its natural melodic lines and inflections allow for an approach to singing that is completely in harmony with our “instrument.”
It is also very useful for learning to read and understand musical notation.
However, it is its sacred potential that makes it the most precious of treasures. Gregorian chant has the unique ability to create silence. Indeed, after singing an entire office, the atmosphere is charged with sacred vibrations that create a silence of the highest quality, filled with presence.