DESCRIPTION:

Sami Yusuf’s composition ‘The Fire Within’ evokes the flame of love
that burns in the hearts of seekers everywhere.
This rich musical tapestry weaves together mystical strands of music and poetry
as it moves seamlessly from the aeolian sound of European choral music
to Andalusian modes to Middle Eastern scales.
Here we hear the voice of each tradition clearly articulated
as in an intricate conversation with one another.
Layer upon layer of melodies and rhythms serve to clarify the composer’s vision
and to lead the listener inward to a place of knowing beyond words.

Lyrics are drawn from mystical poets: Kaygusuz Abdal (Turkish lyrics),
Hildegard von Bingen (Latin lyrics),
Mansur ibn al-Hallaj and Abu al-Hasan al-Shushtari (Arabic lyrics).

Performed by Cappella Amsterdam, The Amsterdam Andalusian Orchestra,
and Sami Yusuf’s ensemble.

CREDITS:
Composed and arranged by Sami Yusuf
Latin words by Hildegard of Bingen
English words trans. from Mansur al-Hallaj
Turkish words by Kaygusuz Abdal
Arabic Mawwāl by Abu al-Hasan al-Shushtari

Mode: Aeolian [with allusions to traditional Andalusian modes]

Sami Yusuf & Ensemble:

Sami Yusuf: Vocal
Ömer Avci: Bendir
Eyüpcan Açikpazu: Ney
Hasan Hekimoglu: Oud
Onur Cicin: Qanun
Guo Gan: Erhu
Seyyed Mohammad Jaberi: Daf
Huseyin Can Pala: Baglama
Mahyar Toreihi: Santoor
Jon Lawton: Guitar

Cappella Amsterdam:

Soprano: Sanda Audere, Elisabeth Blom, Marijke van der Harst
Alto: Hebe de Champeaux, Irene Sorozabal, Inga Schneider
Tenor: Jon Etxabe Arzuaga, Jelle Leistra, Diederik Rooker
Bass: Jan Douwes, Angus van Grevenbroek, Johan Vermeer

Production: Francesca Thompson