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Comforting the Soul was written in 2020, the original version being for the OSM Camerata, a university student chamber orchestra in Bloemfontein, South Africa. It was written during a lockdown period triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic during the year of composition and it presents a message of hope during this world crisis.
It is in two sections, an energetic Moderato expressing the pain and frustration people are going through during the pandemic, followed by a tranquil Adagio expressing hope for the future of mankind.
It is prefaced by the following words:
...we must strive with heart and soul in order that this darkness of the contingent world may be dispelled, that the lights of the Kingdom shall shine upon all the horizons, the world of humanity become illumined, the image of God become apparent in human mirrors, the law of God be well established and that all regions of the world shall enjoy peace, comfort and composure beneath the equitable protection of God.
(‘Abdu'l-Bahá, Foundations of World Unity, p. 73)
The piece is scored for two flutes, two clarinets, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, two percussion players, timpani and strings. It lasts for around 6 minutes, 45 seconds.
