For choir and string quartet
Goetia
In umbra lucis
A full-length choral work by Lera Auerbach for choir and string quartet, setting the names of the 72 demons from the Ars Goetia, framed by Psalm 90/91 as a prayer of protection.
World
In the shadow of light. A companion to 72 Angels, this work turns from angelic evocation toward the ambiguous territory of daimon, demon, messenger, protection, and fear.
Commission
Commissioned by RIAS Kammerchor, Nederlands Kamerkoor, Cracow Singers, Zürcher Sing-Akademie, and Wien Modern.
World Premiere
24 May 2019. Pierre Boulez Saal, Berlin — RIAS Kammerchor Berlin, Michelangelo String Quartet, Kaspars Putniņš, conductor.
Structure
Präludium — Psalm 90(91):1–16
1. Baal
2. Agares
3. Vassago
4. Samigina
5. Marbas
6. Valefor
7. Ammon
8. Barbatos
9. Paimon
10. Buer
11. Gusion
12. Sitri
13. Beleth
14. Leraje
15. Eligos
16. Zepar
17. Botis
18. Bathin
19. Sallos
20. Purson
21. Marax
22. Ipos
23. Aim
24. Naberius
Psalm — Psalm 90(91):1–3
25. Glasia–Labolas
26. Buné
27. Ronové
28. Berith
29. Astaroth
30. Forneus
31. Foras
32. Asmoday
33. Gaap
34. Furfur
35. Marchosias
36. Stolas
37. Phenex
38. Halphas
39. Malphas
40. Raum
41. Focalor
42. Vepar
43. Sabnock
44. Shax
45. Vine
46. Bifrons
47. Uvall
48. Haagenti
Psalm — Psalm 90(91):5–11/13
49. Crokel
50. Furcas
51. Balaam
52. Allocas
53. Caim
54. Murmur
55. Orobas
56. Gremori
57. Ose
58. Amy
59. Orias
60. Vapula
61. Zagan
62. Valax
63. Andras
64. Haures
65. Andrealphus
66. Kimaris
67. Amdusias
68. Belial
69. Abraxas
70. Seere
71. Dantalion
72. Andromalius
Fiat — Psalm 90(91):15–16
Work Information
Ars Goetia
Goetia draws on the Ars Goetia of the Clavicula Salomonis Regis, an anonymous grimoire compiled in the mid-seventeenth century describing the 72 daemons said to have been confined by King Solomon in a bronze vessel sealed with magical sigils.
The score frames this mythological and esoteric material through a broader meditation on the historical relationship between religion and magic, and on the earlier meanings of ángelos and daimon as beings mediating between human and divine spheres.
- PreludePsalm 90/91 begins the work as a protective invocation.
- NamesThe central body sets the 72 demonic names and their variants.
- FiatThe ending returns to Psalm 90/91:15–16.
Listen to Work
Educational listening access to Goetia: 72 — In umbra lucis.
Text
Text and Names
The score includes Psalm 90/91 in transliterated Greek Septuagint form with German and English translations, followed by the Goetia names and variant spellings.
Psalm 90/91Transliterated Greek and English translation
Praeludium — Psalm 90/91
1. Ainos odes to Dawuid. (H)o katoikon en boet’heiya tu (h)iupsistu en skepe tu t’heu tu uranu awlist’hesetai.
2. Erei to Kiurio antilemptor mu ei, kai katafiuge mu (h)o t’heos mu, elpio epawton.
3. (H)oti awtos, riusetai se ek pagidos t’hepewton, kai apo logu tarahodus.
4. En tois metafrenois awtu epikiasei soi, kai hiupo tas pteriugas awtu elpieis, (h)oplo kiuklosei se (h)e alet’heya awtu.
5. U fobet’hese apo fobu niukterinu, apo belus petomenu (h)emeras.
6. Apo pragmatos diaporewomenu en skotei, apo siumptomatos kai daimoniu mesembrinu.
7. Peseitai ek tuklitus su hilias, kai miurias ek deksionsu, pros se de uk engiei.
8. Plen tois oft’hal’mois su katanoeseis, kai antapodosin (h)amartolon opse.
9. (H)oti siu, Kiurie, (h)e elpis mu ton (h)iupsiston et’hu katafiugen su.
10. U proselewsetai pros se kaka, kai Mastix uk engiei to skenomati su.
11. (H)oti tois angelois awtu enteleitai peri su tu diafiulaksai se en tais (h)odois su.
12. Epi heiron arusin se, me pote proskopses pros lit’hon ton poda su.
13. Ep aspida kai basiliskon epibese, kai katapateseis Leonta kai drakonta.
14. (H)oti epeme elpisen, kai riusomai awton, skepaso awton, (h)oti egno to onoma mu.
15. Kekraksetai pros me, kai eisakusomai awtu, metawtu eimi en t’hlipsei, kai ekselu-mai kai doksaso awton.
16. Makroteti (h)emeron empleso awton, kai deikso awto to soterion mu.
Brenton Septuagint Translation, 1884
1. Praise of a Song, by David. He that dwells in the help of the Highest, shall sojourn under the shelter of the God of heaven.
2. He shall say to the Lord, Thou art my helper and my refuge: my God; I will hope in him.
3. For he shall deliver thee from the snare of the hunters, from every troublesome matter.
4. He shall overshadow thee with his shoulders, and thou shalt trust under his wings: his truth shall cover thee with a shield.
5. Thou shalt not be afraid of terror by night; nor of the arrow flying by day;
6. nor of the evil thing that walks in darkness; nor of calamity, and the evil spirit at noon-day.
7. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
8. Only with thine eyes shalt thou observe and see the reward of sinners.
9. For thou, O Lord, art my hope: thou, my soul, hast made the Most High thy refuge.
10. No evils shall come upon thee, and no scourge shall draw nigh to thy dwelling.
11. For he shall give his angels charge concerning thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
12. They shall bear thee up on their hands, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
13. Thou shalt tread on the asp and basilisk: and thou shalt trample on the lion and dragon.
14. For he has hoped in me, and I will deliver him: I will protect him, because he has known my name.
15. He shall call upon me, and I will hearken to him: I am with him in affliction; and I will deliver him, and glorify him.
16. I will satisfy him with length of days, and shew him my salvation.
72 NamesNames and variant forms from the score
- 1.BaalBael’, Baael’, Baël, Baell, Bahal’, Buel’, Bal, Bal’, Bayal, Bel, Bel’, Bele, Bahel’, Belenus, Beli, Belinus, Belus, Adon, Baal-Tzephon (“god of the crypt”), Beth Ayin Lamed (“just lord”), Aliyan Haded, Seth (“pillar”)
- 2.AgaresAgarat, Agarator, Agaros, Agarus, Agreas (“King of the East”), Aguares, Ahgayres, Tamiel’, Tamel’, Temel’, Tamuel’ (“perfection of God”)
- 3.VassagoVasago, Usagoo, Pruflas, Busas
- 4.SamiginaGamigin, Gamygyn, Gamigm, Gamehgehin
- 5.MarbasBarbas, Margas
- 6.ValeforValefar, Malaphar, Malephar, Malapher, Valafar, Valefr
- 7.AmmonAamon, Amonm, Nahum, Ahmun, Amun, Amo, Amoyon, Aman, Ahman, Amon, Amaimon, Amaymon, Amoymon, Amai’moit, Baal-Hammon (“the hidden god”)
- 8.BarbatosBarbatus, Barginiel, Brumiel’, Barginiel’, Brumiel’
- 9.PaimonPaymon, Paimonia, Payehmon
- 10.BuerBuel’, Buel
- 11.GusionGusoin, Guison, Gusayn, Gusoyn, Guseyn, Geryones, Osgarbial’, Urakabarameel’, Geyron, Pirsoyn, Ghruonh, Ghruwn
- 12.SitriSitree, Sytry, Bitru
- 13.BelethBilet, Bileth, Byleth, Bulith, Elyth
- 14.LerajeLeraikha, Leraie, Lerajie, Loray, Oray, Leraye, Lerahjay, Leraiel’, Leray
- 15.EligosEligor, Abigor, Ertrael’, Jefischa, Abigar
- 16.ZeparSepar, Zehpar, Zephar
- 17.BotisOtis, Boatis
- 18.BathinBathym, Mathim, Marthim, Bathsim
- 19.SallosSaleos, Zaleos, Sahelos, Zaebos, Zabos, Zaebros
- 20.PursonCurson, Pursan, Pusron, Pruflas
- 21.MaraxNarax, Foraii, Farax, Morax, Marex, Forax, Forfax
- 22.IposAiperos, Ayperos, Ayporos, Ipes, Ip-os ahyer, Aypeos, Ayperor, Ayphos
- 23.AimHayborym, Aym, Haborym, Aini, Haborim, Bast, Nacoriel’, Aniquel’, Anituel’, Aniquiel’
- 24.NaberiusNaberus, Nebiros, Cerberus, Cerbere, Nahberus, Naburus, Nebiros, Naberro, Nebirots
- 25.Glasia–LabolasCaacrinolaas, Caassimolar, Classyalabolas, Glassia–labolis, Glasya Labolas, Gaylos–Lobos, Glasyabolis, Glassyalabolas, Glasya, Glasyalabolas, Caaerinolaas
- 26.BunéBime, Bim, Bue’en
- 27.RonovéRoneve, Ronwe, Ronobe, Rownovee
- 28.BerithBaal-berith (“Lord of the Covenant”), Elberith (“God of the Covenant”), Beal, Bolfry, Bofi, Balberith, Batraal, Beratiel, Balam
- 29.AstarothAshtaroth, Astarot, Asteroth, Astarte, Azael (“whom God strengthens”), Azazel (“God strengthens” or “arrogant to God”), Astharthe
- 30.ForneusFornus, Firneus, Fornjotr, Forneaus
- 31.ForasForrasis, Forras
- 32.AsmodayAshmodai, Asmodeus, Asmody, Asmodai, Asmoda, Sydonay, Asmodee, Chashmodai, Asmodeo, Æshma, Sidonai
- 33.GaapTap, Coap, Taob, Goap, Gah-ap, Gorson, Zaazonash, Zazel, Göap
- 34.FurfurFurtur, Ferthur, Fourfour, Eureur, Faraji, Farris, Furfures
- 35.MarchosiasMarchocias, Marchioseeas, Marchoias
- 36.StolasStolos, Stowlos, Solas
- 37.PhenexPheynix, Phoenix, Phoeniex, Fenex, Phenix, Phoenix
- 38.HalphasHal’phas, Halfas, Halpas
- 39.MalphasMalthus, Malthas, Malthous, Malfas, Malpas, Mathas
- 40.RaumRaim, Raym, Räum, Rahoom
- 41.FocalorForcalor, Furcalor, Rocofale, Fokahlor, Rofocale
- 42.VeparVephar, Vapar, Vehpar
- 43.SabnockSab Nac, Sabnach, Sabnack, Sabnacke, Salmac, Savnock, Sabnok, Saburnac, Sabnak, Sabanack, Saburac, Sabrock, Savnok
- 44.ShaxChax, Shan, Shass, Shaz, Scox, Shaex, Shanm, Shassm, Samsavael, Sazquiel, Spax
- 45.VineVinea, Vain, Vie-en, Vin
- 46.BifronsBifrovs, Bifröus, Bifronze, Bifrous, Bierous
- 47.UvallVual, Voval, Vreal, Wal, Wall, Uval, Vuall
- 48.HaagentiHage, Haage, Hahventee, Hagenit, Hagenith, Hagenti, Zagan, Zagum
- 49.CrokelKrokel, Crokell, Procel, Pucel, Procell, Crocelli, Crocell, Proculo, Prucel, Pucel
- 50.FurcasForcas, Fourcas
- 51.BalaamBalan, Balam, Bahlam, Balamm, Balemm
- 52.AllocasAllocer, Alocer, Alocas, Allocen, Alloien, Al-oh-sees, Alloces
- 53.CaimCamio, Kayem, Caym, Chamos, Chamus, Chium, Danel, Danjal, Gamiel
- 54.MurmurMurmus, Murmuur, Murmux, Mermer
- 55.OrobasOrabos, Orabas, Ohrobas
- 56.GremoriGremory, Gamory, Gemory, Gomory, Gamori, Gemori, Gramoreee
- 57.OseOsê, Oze, Oso, Voso, Ohsee
- 58.AmyAvnas, Auns, Hanar, Hanni, Aimee, Amousias
- 59.Orias—
- 60.VapulaNaphula, Vapuhlah, Valupa, Vapul
- 61.ZaganZagam, Dagon, Zahgan
- 62.ValaxVolac, Valu, Volak, Valak, Ualac, Valac, Valu, Valic, Volac
- 63.Andras—
- 64.HauresFlauros, Flavros, Havres, Flauros, Flereous, Feurety, Haurus, Hauras
- 65.AndrealphusAndroalphus, Andreelfus
- 66.KimarisCimeies, Cimejes, Cimeries, Ki-meh-jes, Tuvries, Cymries, Khemour, Cimeyes
- 67.AmdusiasSamil’, Yomael’, Amduscias, Amdukias, Amducious, Amukias, Amduscas, Ambuscias, Amdusehass
- 68.BelialBeliar, Beelee’el’, Beliall “The Beast”, Beliel, Beliya’al (“worthless”), Beliyya’al, Bel’yya’al, Matanbuchus, Satanel’
- 69.AbraxasCarabia, Decarabia, Decarbia, Narcoriel, Nestoriel, Deekarabeeah
- 70.SeereSeire, Sear, Seir, See-er
- 71.DantalionDantalian, Dantaian, Dantahleeon
- 72.AndromaliusAndromaleeus
Pronunciation GuidesPsalm and names
Praeludium — Psalm 90/91. H or h at the beginning of the word indicates a rough breathing sound. Aw sounds like “ow” in “wow”; ai like “aisle”; ui like “uee” in “queen”; oi like “oi” in “oil”; ew like “hey-you” pronounced together. O sounds like “Oscar”; E like “Edge”; A like “Father”; U like “too”; IU like “mural”; tz like German z in Graz; ps like ps in lips.
Names. Alternative spellings and pronunciation variations are derived from multiple sources. L at the end of a name is usually softened but not in all sources; in the score, soft l is marked as l′. Ay sounds like ay in day. F and ph sound like f in forward.
Performance notes. The work should be performed without intermission. All movements are attacca. All glissandi are molto ad libitum and slow. Poco glissandi should be slow slight slides, imitating a sigh. The choir should preferably stand throughout the performance; soloists stand when singing. In the string quartet, coloristic distinctions between ordinario, flautando, and sul ponticello should be exaggerated; color is more important than distinct pitch.
Online Materials
Publisher, score, performance, and reference links related to Goetia: 72 — In umbra lucis.
- ListenVimeo
- PublisherBoosey & Hawkes / SikorskiBoosey & Hawkes
- ScorePurchase ScoreBoosey & Hawkes
- PremiereWorld Premiere EventPierre Boulez Saal
- Video
- SearchYouTube SearchYouTube
Publisher and Materials
Published by Boosey & Hawkes / Sikorski. Publisher catalogue and purchase-score links are provided below.