I love the music to this opera, although I haven't seen the opera itself. I would like to some day, but I think the music is more than capable of standing by itself. I couldn't resist including some of the lyrics from this epic opera. Philip Glass has said that this opera was the tragic one of the three 'portrait operas' (Einstein on the Beach, Satyagraha, and Akhnaten). Basically, it depicts Akhnaten's reign and collapse of the empire. This time in Egyptian history was unique in that the whole kingdom was united under worship of one god, the Aten. This god was depicted as the sun with rays coming off in all directions. Each ray had a hand attached. After Akhnaten's reign, the old pantheon of gods was established again. This soundtrack has inspired me with its mysterious and ancient quality. But don't take my word for it! :) Give it a listen yourself.
“Open are the double doors of the horizon
unlocked are its bolts
clouds darken the sky
the stars arain down
the constellations stagger
the bones of the hell hounds tremble
the porters are silent
when they see this king
dawning as a soul.”
-Prelude, Verse 1
“I breathe the sweet breath
Which comes forth from thy mouth.
I behold thy beauty every day.
It is my desire
That I may be rejuvenated
With life through love
Of thee.
Give me thy hands, holding thy spirit.
that I may receive it and may live by it.
Call thou upon my name unto eternity
And it shall never fail.”
-Akhnaten and Nefertiti
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A Walk in the Park
http://www.walkintheparkphotography.com/article.php/Akhnaten