Verily, O! Lord!

The six words written on this page are in Coptic (a language diluted with Greek) once the common tongue of Egyptian Christians. The Words at the top mean "Spiritual Music". Those below and to the left mean "sacred hymnsinger." Below these, a brief word states simply, "beginning," and one at the foot of the page reads "end." ilri

Coptic music originated in Egypt around two thousand years ago (maybe). It was passed through generations orally, before the first manuscripts were created. This one is from the 7th or 8th century AD.

In the 1960s, Folkways released a tape recording of blind master cantor Mikhail of the Coptic Cathedral of St Mark, entitled "Coptic Music." It was recorded by Ragheb Moftah, a devout & wealthy Copt, who dedicated his life to preserving this rejoiceful medium prior to radio's invasion of modern life. Master Mikhail was a centenarian at the time of recording. Blind cantors were relied upon by the copts due to the belief that blindness enhances hearing and the ablity to memorise.

'Verily O! Lord!' is the reason for this blog. Its slow, circular melody is my favourite.

Legal eagles: If you are unhappy with me posting this mp3, please let me know and I'll happily remove it.