In the Greek Orthodox Church, the Troparion is a short poetic hymn referring to the Feast of the day. One of the few liturgical texts in the orthodox canon written by women, and by far the longest chant of liturgical music, the Troparion of Kassiani is sung late in the evening on Holy Tuesday. The text, a confessional by Mary Magdalene to Jesus as she pours myrrh over His head just before His Passion, overflows with emotion and feminine energy. For the composer, as a young chorister in his local parish church, this was one of the highlights of the church year, and with the composition of The Troparion of Kassiani he has realised a long-held intention to visit this text creatively himself.
Born in Greece, educated in the United States and a Canadian citizen since 1985, composer Christos Hatzis (b.1953) is becoming widely known as a leading figure in contemporary classical music. His works are performed and broadcast throughout the world, and their frequent combination of a powerful spiritual foundation with an immediately accessible appeal has made a deep emotional impact upon audiences and performers alike.
