“The Apocalypse” is a 2 - hour long symphonic tone poem that describes in musical form the historical account of the biblical saga entitled the “Revelation”. Filled with mysterious signs, wonders and symbolic language, this intriguing tale tells of the history of truth down through the centuries, from the time of Christ to the creation of a new heavens and a new earth. In an almost operatic style, I have taken the time to engrave this important portrayal into the sound waves of music, taking influences from many different sources to form the structure for this titanic work.

 

I begin “The Apocalypse” by depicting the rough, unforgiving landscape of the Isle of Patmos, to which the apostle John was exiled. I then commence to trace the timeline of the visions he received whilst banished for his faith. For the remaining duration of Part I, we focus on Revelation’s primary group of three sevens, first the evocative Seven Churches, then the tumultuous Seven Seals and concluding with the Seven Trumpets.

 

In Part II, the themes shift to focus on the direct conflict between good and evil, as it is portrayed in the struggle between the Dragon and the Woman, the War in Heaven and the Sea and Land Beasts that unite to destroy God’s people. Toward the close of Part II, John is shown Three Angels carrying solemn and significant messages to warn the whole world of impending judgment, which inevitably sweeps across the world in Part III.

 

This concluding division of “The Apocalypse” plunges into the closing events of the Apostle’s Revelation. We cascade through the Treading of the Winepress, the cataclysmic Seven Last Plagues, and on down to the final resurgence and eventual destruction of Babylon. Then the music regains some sense of stability. One melody flows effortlessly into another and slowly builds into a grand chorale-like climax. Christ returns at the darkest hour to redeem his chosen people, while the wicked are consumed and lay lifeless for a thousand years. Then all the nations are assembled for Judgment Day and all sin and sinners are consumed in the resulting Lake of Fire. After the dust settles, John sees the creation of a new heaven and earth and the New Jerusalem prepared for the faithful. “The Apocalypse” then draws to a close with inspiringly transcendent bars enthused with these hope-filled themes. 

 

After all the destruction that this work describes, some may wonder why I ever intended to focus on such a seemingly “gloomy subject”. The truth is that Revelation is a book of hope that is often misunderstood due to its sometimes terrifying language and seemingly complex symbolism. It offers a view of the future, an opportunity to intelligently decide one’s eternal destiny. This is the primary reason why I penned “The Apocalypse”.

 

I hope it is a blessing to all those that hear it!!!

 

Tristen Jazon - TJTheComposer