BRENDAN KELLY:
CHRYSTALIS (2024)

The significance of the number 17 in religion can vary across different belief systems, cultures, and interpretations. In Christian numerology, 17 is associated with the idea of spiritual perfection or completeness.

The 1st Piece: The album begins with "Seraphina," the name taken from the 'Chlorippe Seraphina,' otherwise know as the 'Turquoise Emperor or Cherubina Emperor,' is a species of butterfly of the family Nymphalidae. The title also mirrors the angels seraphim and cherubim who herald the birth of Jesus. The open 4 bars lay the foundation of the piece, two overlapping chords - C#m / Bm. As a musical key, B minor is the key of patience and calm awaiting, and of submission to divine dispensation, ie. Mary's 'yes' to bear the Son of God. C# minor is the key of intimate conversation with God, at it's radius - love. Written in C# minor, I purposely set the piece in the key of A minor, so the sharps and flats would stand out of the score mirroring the sharps and flats (high and lows) of life. The piece is a juxtaposition of tonal and atonal, pull and push, ebb and flow.

The 2nd Piece: "Ovum," is the egg, the fruit of Mary's womb - Jesus. In Christian tradition there exists what is called the 'O Antiphons of Advent.' They are musical pieces that have been sung since the 8th century that draw on the imagery of the hope of the coming Christ. The repeated use of the imperative - "Come!" embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah. Listen at bar 45 for the 6 measure reference to the hymn - "O Come, O Come Emmanuel," summoning forth Christ in the egg.

The 3rd Piece: "Deloneura Immaculata" starts in the Key of A major - characterizing innocent love and trust in God. Later it transposes to A minor - pious womanliness and tenderness of character. In this butterfly name we set the scene for the 'Immaculate Conception,' free of original sin, the virgin Mary conceives a son who would be called "Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." - Isaiah 9:6

The 4th Piece: "K-a-ete-pilar," 'a ete / etait' is French for 'has always been'. Jesus - he who is, who was (has always been), and who is to come - Revelation 1:4

Written in the key of Bb major, this keys speaks of having a clear conscience and hope for a better world. In order to grow, the caterpillar must eat, molt and travel large distances to find its food, which brings us to our next (3) pieces.

The 5th Piece: Eat of the "Arbre de la Vie Eternelle / Tree of Eternal Life". Why not eat, of the best food that gives eternal life. We endeavour to search for it. Our soul yearns for it. Our survival in this world and beyond relies on it. Come, eat and partake of it.

The 6th Piece: "Breath Before Rebirth," in the moment between breaths where transformation and possibility occurs. We have eaten of the Tree, and here we let it's goodness envelop and make us a whole new be-ing. Written with a fixed base-line, the piece evokes the passing of time, digestion - absorption - building up - breaking down - inner change .

The 7th Piece: 'Wayfaring Wander," the caterpillar in it's process of change must travel far and wide to find it's food, so to, our walk in the footsteps of Christ has begun. In a broader or more poetic sense, a wayfarer can also symbolize someone on a journey through life, encountering various experiences and challenges along the way.

The 8th Piece: "Chrystalis," or Christ-alis, where the caterpillar is undergoing its tranformation to adulthood. We are being trans-formed into something new - made in God's image -- the hope of resurrection looms in the not so far distance when we will emerge and breathe and have our being.

The 9th Piece: "Psyche Sleeps." In psychology, "psyche" refers to the human mind, soul, or spirit. (Romans 12:2) It encompasses the totality of mental processes and functions, including thoughts, emotions, and consciousness. 

The Greek word "psyche" means "soul" or "breath of life." Its association with butterflies stems from the metaphorical use of butterflies to represent the soul's journey and transformation. 

The 10th Piece: "Dreaming of Butterflies." Does a butterfly dream of being a butterfly? What happens in our subconscious during this transformation? Thoughts - images - sensations - emotions - memories intertwine. New neural pathways are being formed. "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life," (John 14:6) 

Jesus as the Way: Jesus presents himself as the path to God, suggesting that following his teachings and example leads one to spiritual fulfillment and eternal life.

The 11th Piece: "Metamorphosis," is the biological process in which an organism undergoes a significant change in form, structure, and function. Here, the caterpillar has entered its final stage.

Our transformation from the old to the new is almost complete. Now we will be spiritually reborn and renewed. "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again." (John 3:3) Jesus explains that this new birth is not a physical one but a spiritual transformation. It involves a renewal of the inner self through the Holy Spirit.

The 12th Piece: "A Touch of Life." Here we emerge from the Chrystalis for the first time - from darkness into light. This title captures the essence of renewal and new beginnings. It  offers a way to express feelings of hope, growth, and the joy of the new opportunities that await us all.

The 13th Piece: "A Rush of Wings," as a title it serves as a metaphor for powerful emotions, inspiration, and freedom, making it a dynamic tool for conveying movement, change, and hope.

The 14th Piece: In poetry, "A Taste of Spring" symbolizes the fresh, invigorating feeling of new beginnings and renewal. It evokes the sensory experience of spring’s vibrant beauty, suggesting a fleeting yet profound connection to nature’s rebirth and the promise of growth and hope.

The 15th Piece: In poetry, "Butterfly Moments" symbolize fleeting, delicate instances of beauty and transformation. They capture brief, yet profound experiences of joy, change, or insight that, though momentary, leave a lasting impact on the heart and mind.

The 16th Piece: In poetry, "Kiss the Morning Dew" symbolizes a gentle embrace of new beginnings and the freshness of dawn. It evokes a sense of serene connection with nature’s beauty and the promise of a new day, inviting reflection, renewal, and appreciation of life's simple moments. 

“Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.” ​(Deuteronomy 32:2)

The 17th Piece: "Imago Dei," is a Latin term meaning "Image of God," signifying that humans are created in God's image (Genesis 1:27). It implies inherent dignity, moral responsibility, and the capacity for relationship with God. 

On page 1 of the sheet music is the watermark of a butterfly. On page 2, in place of the butterfly body - the cross of Christ, signifying his death and resurrection. 

I wrote the piece in retrograde, which refers to a technique where a melody or musical theme is played backward, starting from the end and moving to the beginning. 

"I am the Alpha and the Omega," meaning that Jesus is the beginning and the end of all things. It signifies His eternal nature, divine authority, and complete sovereignty over time and creation. (Revelation 22:13).

The 9th