In the Lotus Symphony a mixed chorus recite in Japanese excerpts from “the Expedient Means” (Chapter 2) and the “Life Span” (Chapter 16) of the Lotus sutra. This composition is not intended as an alternative to the solemn ceremony of Gongyo, it is simply the composer’s artistic response to the beautiful ideas and images contained in the ‘wonderful law of the Lotus flower’. Quite apart from the meaning contained in the words, the extraordinary sound of the recitation, its rhythm of dynamic determination and joyful courage was the starting point for this musical journey.

 Music example (pdf)