Part of the Matheson Trust Sacred Audio Collection
The takhshfotho (pl. of takhshefto) are melismatic, non-measured chants which span a complete octave. This particular type of takhshfotho is attributed to Bishop Rabola of Raha, who died 425 CE.
Performed by Evelyne Daoud (Evlin Dawud, 1935-2002)
Recorded in the town of Qamishli (North-east Syria).
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Performed by Ado Abdelmasih
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or right-click here to download the audio recording – 4:15 (4.1MB)Lyrics translation:
Like the merchants, the martyrs entered into battle. They shed their blood in order to obtain spiritual wealth, in the manner of skilled merchants. They bartered their lives for death, preferring torment to rest. They chose death rather than a short life. They are in the kingdom, guests of the son of the King and we are invited to participate in the feast, proclaiming: Glory to thee, Ruler of the Universe.
Original Syriac and karshuni (transliteration of Syriac into Arabic) versions of “Akh tagorye hashirye” from the Lahmo Dhayé (The Bread of Life) published in 2002. Courtesy of Aboud Zino.
From the UNESCO/Smithsonian audio recordings collections “Syrian Orthodox Church: Antioch Liturgy” (1983) and “People at Prayer/Peuples en prière” (1971). With warm thanks to the Centre de Recherches sur les Musiques Arabes et Apparentées (CERMAA).
