Lam Gods for Choir, Soloist, and Ensemble

How can an act of pure altruism also be an act of self-neglect? That is precisely the core question of Lam Gods from the Utregs Requiem. Indeed, the piece exposes the complex tension between unconditional care for others and the necessary care for oneself. This tension is then made tangible through one man’s life story.

Utregs Requiem – Lam Gods (Agnus Dei) by Renske Vrolijk © Renske Vrolijk

for performers and concert programmers

Lam Gods’ within the Utregs Requiem

This work is a key part of the 2019 Utregs Requiem. This project, led by director Ellen Blom, is a unique community art project and is therefore not a traditional mass for the dead. Instead, it is a musical reflection of the lives of contemporary Utrecht residents. As a result, participants are given a platform to symbolically close a chapter on their past and thus mark a new phase in their lives.

The story of Robert

Lam Gods therefore focuses entirely on the story of Robert. His life has been marked by neglect during his youth. As a consequence, he finds it difficult to build a stable life. However, Robert finds support and structure in the church. Moreover, this environment nurtures his deep-rooted desire to help others. The result is that this urge sometimes goes so far that he completely disregards his own well-being and possessions.

Libretto by Herman van Tongerloo

The text by Herman van Tongerloo articulates this struggle in an empathetic way. At the same time, the music directly translates his situation into sound, thus supporting the narrative. In short, Lam Gods is a work that addresses important societal themes clearly and artistically, such as vulnerability, community, and the boundaries of care.