The Trisagion, or “Thrice Holy,” is a hymn that is a part of the opening prayer for many Orthodox services. This setting of the powerful text features a lively, and triumphant tone, with lots of open intervals to give it a chant-like feel. As the piece continues, the sparse harmonies of the opening give way to lush, compact extended chords, reflecting on a more personal interpretation of the text. The more complex harmonic language affirmatively settles in a major tonality as the choir sings “Holy Immortal,” representing triumph over death.

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Premiere: January 21, 2023—Inversion Da Capo—Austin, TX