The Four Elements: Breath
“The Four Elements” project arose out of my interest in nature, and the traditional elements of nature – earth, air, water, and fire. (see lyrics below) Composed in my garden and deeply influenced by the ebb and flow of the natural world, I chose one aspect of each of the elements as they revealed themselves in that space: earth became clay, air became breath, water became rain, and fire became light. Written over a year’s time, “Breath” is the most recently composed of the four and the first to be recorded.
While researching the idea for The Four Elements: Breath, I was struck by the fact that almost every culture has a word for breath that means not only the physical aspect of breathing but the metaphysical aspect of “breath of life” or spirit. The lyrics explore the multiple levels of meaning for “breath” – something we cannot see yet know is there. You can read more about the compositional process at my blog Composer in the Garden (follow blog link to see posts “Breathe In, Breathe Out” and “The Space Between”)
Lyrics by Lynn Emberg Purse, ©2012
Insubstantial, hard to hold
Never seen, with power unfolds to drive the clouds and gyre the sea
Breathe
Breathe out, breathe in, balanced in the space between
Silence, stillness, until the breath moves through again
Prana, Spiritus, Ruach, Chi
Breath of life, breath of energy
Breathe out, breathe in, carried on the wind
Insubstantial, many names
Cold as frost and hot as flame
Breath on the air, breath on the wind
Breathe
Breathe out, breathe in, balanced in the space between
Silence, stillness,
Silence, stillness, stillness
Breathe
Acknowledgements:
Music and text by Lynn Emberg Purse ©2012, All Rights Reserved
Vocals, keyboards, sequencing, and hand percussion: Lynn Emberg Purse
Vocals, fretless bass: Bill Purse
Breath: David Borden
Audio Engineer and Producer: Bill Purse
Recorded at Ridgewood Studios
Artwork: Lynn Emberg Purse©2012, All Rights Reserved
Video: Lynn Emberg Purse©2012, All Rights Reserved
A special thanks to engineer and producer extraordinaire Bill Purse for his patience, skill, and commitment.
Thanks to David Borden for inspiration and “breath” effects and to my friend Linda, who taught me how to breathe.
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