Program Notes and Audio
Movement I: “Echoes From Distant Shores”
Movement II: “Canaanite Harvest Festival”
Movement III: “Cedar Forest”
Movement IV: “Carthage”
Introduction to the Symphonic Suite “Phoenicia”
The Phoenician civilization, flourishing between 1500 and 300 BC, was a beacon of innovation and cultural exchange in the ancient world. Nestled along the coast of the eastern Mediterranean, the Phoenicians were master seafarers, traders, and artisans. Their influence spanned from their homeland in modern-day Lebanon across the Mediterranean to North Africa, Southern Europe, and beyond. Through their extensive trade networks and remarkable navigational skills, they introduced the alphabet, advanced shipbuilding techniques, and exquisite artistry to the civilizations they encountered.
Unlike many empires that sought dominance through conquest and subjugation, the Phoenicians were known for their peaceful interactions and commercial prowess. They built alliances and spread knowledge, fostering cultural diffusion without resorting to the violence that characterized many of their contemporaries. However, despite their significant contributions, the Phoenician legacy faced systematic erasure by succeeding powers, notably Greece and Rome, who sought to dominate the Mediterranean and often rewrote history to diminish their predecessors.
In the spirit of resilience captured by the saying, “They tried to bury them; they didn’t know they were seeds,” the Phoenician heritage persists through the indelible marks they left on civilization. Inspired by the enduring spirit of my ancestors, I felt compelled to create the Symphonic Suite “Phoenicia.” This musical work aims to resurrect the vibrant essence of the Phoenicians, filling the concert hall with their spirit and celebrating their contributions to human history. Through the symphonic narrative, I aspire to honor the legacy of a civilization that, though buried by time and conquest, continues to flourish in the seeds of culture and knowledge they sowed across the world.
Movement I: “Echoes From Distant Shores”
In composing the first movement of the Phoenicia Symphonic Suite, titled “Echoes From Distant Shores,” I sought to channel the spirit of the ancient Phoenician civilization, whose seafaring legacy has profoundly shaped my own heritage. This piece is a musical homage to their enduring influence, capturing the essence of their maritime adventures and cultural exchanges.
The movement begins with a gentle, almost ethereal motif, representing the soft whispers of ancestral winds that once guided Phoenician sailors across uncharted waters. This delicate introduction evokes a sense of nostalgia, calling forth images of distant shores and the timeless quest for exploration.
As the piece progresses, the music swells, mirroring the growing pride and reverence for this remarkable civilization. The orchestration becomes richer, intertwining melodies that reflect the diverse cultures and lands the Phoenicians encountered. This section serves as a testament to their role as intrepid merchants and cultural ambassadors of the ancient world.
Midway through the movement, the tempo accelerates, and the dynamics intensify, symbolizing the turbulent winds and unpredictable challenges faced upon the Mediterranean Sea. Here, the strings and woodwinds engage in a spirited dialogue, echoing the voices of merchants navigating bustling port cities, their conversations carried aloft by the sea breeze.
In the final passages, the initial theme resurfaces, now transformed and enriched by the journey. The music gradually subsides, leaving the listener with a lingering sense of connection to the past and an appreciation for the enduring legacy of the Phoenicians. Through “Echoes From Distant Shores,” I aim to bridge time, inviting listeners to embark on a sonic voyage that honors our ancestors and the indelible mark they have left upon history
First movement of the Phoenicia Symphonic Suite, titled Echoes From Distant Shores
Rev. 2025 – BBC Symphony Orchestra
Movement II: “Canaanite Harvest Festival”
As we transition to the second movement, “Canaanite Harvest Festival,” the music transforms into a joyous celebration of unity and abundance. The orchestra resonates with the spirit of Phoenician communities in cities like Beirut and Sidon, as they gathered to honor the land’s gifts. The melodies intertwine like dancers in a jubilant procession, embodying the collective gratitude and shared bonds that defined Phoenician society.
Second movement of the Phoenicia Symphonic Suite, titled Canaanite Harvest Festival
Rev. 2025 – BBC Symphony Orchestra
Movement III: “Cedar Forest”
With the third movement, “Cedar Forest,” we find ourselves amid the towering groves that held spiritual and practical significance for the Phoenicians. The music envelops us in the reverence they held for the majestic cedar trees, which graced cities like Byblos. The orchestra’s intricate harmonies and evocative tones capture the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature, reflecting the craftsmanship and seafaring legacy that bloomed in the shadow of these ancient giants.
Third movement of the Phoenicia Symphonic Suite, titled Cedar Forest
Rev. 2025 – BBC Symphony Orchestra
Movement IV: “Carthage”
At last, we reach the magnificent conclusion: “Carthage.” The music surges and reverberates, echoing the triumphant ascent of this colossal city—a reflection of the ambitions and triumphs of Phoenician colonies far from their shores. However, as the composition unfolds, the melodies transform, embodying the trials and eventual decline encountered by cities akin to Carthage. The crescendos gradually yield to mournful passages, serving as a poignant reminder that even the most splendid civilizations are inevitably constrained by the passage of time. And in the final chord, an indelible assurance emerges—a testament to the enduring remembrance of Phoenicia and its resplendent history.
Fourth movement of the Phoenicia Symphonic Suite, titled Carthage
Rev. 2025 – BBC Symphony Orchestra
As the final notes of the “Phoenicia Symphonic Suite Op. 35” linger in the air, we are left with a profound sense of connection to the Phoenician legacy. This symphony isn’t just a composition; it’s a vessel through which we traverse time, experiencing the audacity, unity, reverence for nature, and lessons of impermanence that defined the Phoenician spirit.
So, I invite you to close your eyes and open your hearts to the melodies that transcend centuries, allowing the stories of Tyre, Sidon, Byblos, and the great Carthage to come alive. Thank you for joining us on this musical odyssey, where history dances to the rhythm of our shared humanity.
Pierre Bohemond, composer 