Serge Lancen

Remerciements

'Remerciements' (Thanksgivings) is the fourth religious composi-tion by Serge Lancen. It is a song of praise and thanksgiving, piously devoted to God. As the composer is very happy to live here on earth he wants to express this happiness in his musical language, accompanied by a text glorifying our Creator. The work is written for symphonic band. The text, quoted from or inspired by Psalms and prayers, can either be recited in whatever language or sung in French by a baritone or mezzo-soprano, accompanied by a harp or an organ. There is the 'Sign of the cross' which can be heard up to 12 times. The work consists of five movements: the first one is a call for prayer. In the second one the composer expresses his Thanksgivings to God. This movement is taken from Lancen's 'Poème Oecuménique' (1975) then sung by a soprano accompanied by symphony orchestra. Now it is only played by the band. The third movement is a homage to God using the theme of the 'Benedicamus Domino', dating from the tenth century and already quoted in the introduction. The fourth movement is serious and moving, it implores the beloved ones who have left us. The finale glorifies God. Hallelujah.