Unfolding River is an ongoing series of 81 compositions based on the Tao te Ching of Lao Tzu. It began life as an experiment to "translate" each character of the original text into music. Over the past 10 years, it has evolved, become dormant, and re-awakened in a new form.
Support Unfolding River by donating here:
https://insoundmusic.com/tip-jars/1578
Stream and download the eighth volume here:
https://tomrichards.bandcamp.com/album/notebook-of-a-dreamer
Violin - Aline Homzy
Viola - Anna Atkinson
Trombone - Tom Richards
Cello - Andrew Downing
Contra-alto clarinet - Peter Lutek
Audio recorded remotely by each musician
Audio and video produced by Tom Richards
All compositions by Tom Richards
This piece takes its form and inspiration from Verse 67 of the Tao te Ching:
Everyone under heaven says that my Tao
is great, but inconceivable.
It is its very greatness that makes
it inconceivable!
If it could be conceived of,
how small it would be!
I have three treasures to hold and protect:
The first is motherly love.
The second is economy.
The third is daring not to be first in the world.
With motherly love one can be courageous,
With economy one can be expansive.
With humility one can lead.
To be courageous without motherly love,
To be expansive without practicing economy,
To go to the front without humility -
this is courting death.
Venture with love and you win the battle.
Defend with love and you are invulnerable.
Heaven's secret is motherly love.
Translated by Brian Browne Walker, and presented with his kind permission.
See Brian's wonderful collection of work here: https://brianbrownewalker.com/
www.insoundmusic.com
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