Program Notes
Thirteenth century Sufi musician and poet Amir Khusro wrote the beautiful verse which inspired this piece. I set the piece with the energy of first love — the first time we encounter a person to whom we feel completely inseparable.
But the opposite circumstance is important too: as humans we are so related and interdependent on one another, and it is often at the most difficult times — at times when we are incentivized to ‘other’ one another — where it is the most important to remember how deeply connected we are.
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This piece was written for Illinois Wesleyan University Collegiate Choir, conducted by J Scott Ferguson. It was the last work to be commissioned in an incredible series of choral commissions for this ensemble that started in 1952 (and ended with Man Tu Shudam, in 2024). As I wrote this work, I was so aware of that fact — and I wanted this piece to reflect not only the joy of meeting a soulmate, but the importance of creating an intentional ending that honored the loss of such a special tradition.
NB: Though the intro to this piece is slow and dreamy, the majority of the work is fast and ecstatic! (just listen past 1:24)
Recording
Akash Bhatia, tenor; Anna Noga, soprano
J Scott Ferguson, conductor
Text
Man tū shŭdam, tū man shŭdī
Man tan shŭdam, tū jān shŭdī
Taukas na gūyād bād azīn
Man dīgaram, tu dīgarī
(text: Amir Khusro – 13C)
I have become you, you have become me
I am the body, you are the soul
So that no one can then say
That you are someone, and I am someone else.
Special Performance Requirements
There are no special requirements to perform this piece. Similar to Tuttarana in level, the piece has a soprano and tenor solo, and is completely attainable for a choir that only has Western choral training.
Audio Guide
Premiere/Performances
Man Tu Shudam, Tu Man Shudi was premiered on April 21, 2024 by the Illinois Wesleyan University Collegiate Choir; J Scott Ferguson, conductor
