Immortal One

The refrain text of this song is an expansion of The Trisagion, a standard hymn in Orthodox liturgies, and the verses are based in the psalms. Framing elements of the song (refrain and interlude) are metered while the verses (fourteen in total, taken from four different psalms) are chanted and unmetered. The piece has a modal, lament-like feel, which is appropriate as it is intended for use during Lent and on Good Friday, but is also possessed of a driving rhythm which keeps the metered sections moving forward. It is set for unison choir, allowing the worshipping assembly to focus on the lyrics, especially in the chanted verses, best performed by a single cantor.