ENTHUSIASTICON

Philip Lawton’s Enthusiasticon is a sacred work for unison voices in Latin. The text draws from two distinct sources. The first part, expressing a profound reliance on God and a plea for mercy amidst tribulation, is a prayer reflecting deep faith. The second part shifts to a more ecstatic and visionary tone, describing a spiritual rapture. The singer questions their location and senses, perceiving divine light and the countenance of Christ. This section evokes a sense of wonder as the text describes being touched by the divine and contemplating a radiant, jewel-encrusted city, perhaps Jerusalem, shining with gold. The composer captures these contrasting yet complementary states of spiritual experience.