Darwin's Passion: An Oratorio

by Clay Burell · 2009-02-22 07:00:00 UTC
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Wonderful: a modern oratorio that acknowledges that spiritual awe can come from contemplating the wonders of nature and science - in this case, the works of Charles Darwin:

An oratorio is a long choral work, traditionally with a theme from Scripture. Think, Handel's Messiah or J. S. Bach's St. Matthew Passion.

The Origin: An Opera-Oratorio, by modern classical composer Richard Einhorn, is, according to Einhorn, a celebration of Darwin's thought and life in music. It concentrates specifically on the writing and ideas in "On the Origin of Species."

This may be the first time an oratorio has been composed on a scientific theme.

[....]The composer said that he had wanted to write music about a scientific subject for a long time. His thoughts turned specifically to evolution and Darwin following an argument with a close friend who believed that "intelligent design" creationism should be taught alongside evolution in science classes.

[...] He remains "amazed" to learn that "anyone could reject or be repelled by this incredibly beautiful, and so obviously correct, theory of life's diversity."

[...] After a year and a half of almost daily composing, Einhorn produced a 105-minute-long work for 150 people, including musicians and vocalists. The music is scored for a soprano, baritone, chorus, orchestra, and Kitka, an eight-woman Eastern European vocal ensemble.
(source: Humanist News Network)

I wrote last month about historian James Loewen's argument that "historical objectivity" requires an emotional appreciation of the events of history as they unfold. Now I'm thinking the same argument applies to science.

Bonus: for science teachers (and anybody else open to a dose of the sublime):

This Flash Evolutionary Timeline by John Kyrk is really one of the most cosmic deeply natural things I've ever seen. It'll make your head explode with wonder, awe, and gratitude - and would be great for classrooms. (Picture it displayed on a wall by an LCD player, older folks, and tell me you're not envious of today's classroom possibilities.)

Here's a clip of the oratorio. Where can I get a CD?
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Clay Burell
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