Naji Hakim

Hagia Sofia

In commissioning this work, Hans-Georg Vleugels invited me to pay tribute to history's legendary churches, such as the Hagia Sofia of Istanbul and the Schlosskirche of Chemnitz. The Schlosskirche, a former Benedictine abbey, was the catalyst for the foundation of the city of Chemnitz. The composition, Hagia Sofia (Holy Wisdom), is based on the medieval antiphon Crucem sanctam subiit, which was suggested by my son Jean-Paul due to its likely links with the Templar Knights, who had a very active role in defending Christianity in the Middle East. It is articulated in four harmonic and ornamental variations (Maestoso, Andante, Maestoso, Allegro) and is framed by a solemn organum setting of the medieval theme. (Naji Hakim)