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Description
The composition deals with the theme of the Bible as such. It is informed by the idea that Scripture proceeds from a divine exhalation, as expounded in 2 Timothy, Chapter 2, verse 16. The verse is, in one sense, an index to, and an encapsulation of, everything written in the Bible. The motif of breath is central to the compositional process.

Each spoken word of the text is slowed down by a factor of 20.05x, so that the ‘hiss’ and ‘whoosh’ of Scourby’s breath – as he inhaled before speaking and as the word was released – was made more pronounced. I extracted only the breath-sounds from the words and phrases in order to provide the basis of compositional material. The derived samples were then knit together in a continuous sequence. Scourby’s reading of the verse is layered on top as series of partial and modulated renderings. The composition ends with the looped sounds of inhalation and exhalation extracted the spoken word ‘God’.

Beneath, a subdued pulse derived from a tone-arm being dropped upon the record’s surface is repeated, first, singularly and, subsequently, doubled and placed out of synchronisation. It provides a measure and solemn pace in keeping with the seriousness of the pronouncement.

Lyric
All scripture is given by inspiration of God
and is profitable for reproof
for correction
All scripture
All all
for instruction in righteousness
that the man of God
may be perfect
thoroughly furnished
unto all good works
inspiration scripture is given of God
inspiration inspiration of God

All scripture is given by inspiration of God
inspiration scripture is given of God
may be perfect
thoroughly furnished
for correction for correction
unto all good works
by is given is given by is given by
and is
profitable for reproof
for correction
for instruction in righteousness
that the man of God thoroughly furnished
the man of God may be perfect

inspiration inspiration of God

All scripture is given by inspiration of God

for correction profitable for correction
by is given is given by is given by
and is
profitable
for reproof
profitable
for correction
for instruction in righteousness
that the man of God
may be perfect
thoroughly furnished
unto all good works

inspiration inspiration of God.


Biblical Text
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Biblical Reference
2 Timothy 3.16–17.

credits

from The Biblical Record [album], released July 19, 2019

license

all rights reserved

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about

John Harvey image

John Harvey Ceredigion, UK

I’m a practitioner and historian of sound art and visual art, and Emeritus Professor of Art at the School of Art, Aberystwyth University, UK. My research field is the sonic and visual culture of religion. I explore the sonic articulations of the Christian religion by engaging visual, textual, and audible sources, theological and cultural ideas, and systemic and audiovisualogical processes. ... more

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