“Adiemus” (from Songs of Sanctuary) by Karl Jenkins
Jenkins Ratledge, 1995
In 1995, Welsh composer Karl Jenkins, previously known for composing advertising music, burst onto the mainstream with “Adiemus,” initially written for a Delta Airlines commercial. Today his music is considered to be the trailblazer of the classical crossover genre.
In the original recording of “Adiemus,” the London Philharmonic provides an orchestral mix of African-tribal and Celtic-style melodies. South African vocalist Miriam Stockley contributes vocals, with lyrics that have no meaning, as an instrument.
The ever-building, unified sound of the piece continually uplifts while also pushing forward. The ambitious vocal lines dare other instrumental parts to keep up or even take the lead. Each verse spirals more dramatically heavenward, inspiring the listener to dream bigger, wider, and higher.
“I don’t see any point in being a composer if you don’t communicate with people,” Karl Jenkins said in a 2008 interview with The Church Times. “In Japan they called the Adiemus music ‘healing music.’ It was an invented language, but they perceived in it a spirituality and peacefulness.”
“Adiemus” is widely attributed as the breakout piece that would define the emerging genre that came to be known as classical crossover. In other words, Jenkins’s music created an ambiance that other people were already longing for—they just hadn’t figured out yet how to give a voice to it.
What are you longing to give a voice or words to? Spend a few quiet moments with “Adiemus” and let your dreams fly farther.
(Want to listen to the piece online? Click here to listen to a recent recording by Karl Jenkins. Click here to watch one of the original airline commercials from the 1990s.)
