De harmonia animæ is a result of my research in musical harmony and its relation to our inner, spiritual harmony. In writing these organ etudes, I extensively explored ideas on auditory scene analysis which led to the formulation of sonance modes and a personal approach to composition. Each of the seven movements unfolds a neume-like cantus firmus whose harmonies reflect a particular sonance mode. In the same way, each of the etudes with their different musical states acts as a metaphor for an individual’s soul, a journey from outside to inside. The overall form of the work could be described as a spiral, which through its harmonic lattices allows the listener to contemplate the evolution of musical harmony in its purest state.

I would like to thank to my mentors, friends and colleagues for their encouragement and inspiration in completing and learning my new organ work. I especially want to thank my wife Haley for her wonderful insight into my work as a music and her infinitely generous love and faith in this project.

The work is based on an ancient text found in the book of chant, “Processionale Monasticum”, and it should be interpreted as a prayer for peace peace in our turbulent world:

Pax aeterna ab Aeterno huic domui.
Pax perennis, Verbum Patris, sit pax huic domui.
Pacem pius consolator huic praestet domui.

Eternal peace everlasting to be in this house.
Abiding peace, Word of God, to dwell in this house.
Blessed peace of comfort to remain in this house.