Sapientia
Composer: Henrique Coe
Year of composition: 2025
Duration: approximately 10 minutes
Video: World Premiere by Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Evan Harger, in Sofia, Bulgaria [edited]
Edition: Monika Yakimova (director), Ivailo Yanev (sound engineer), Ivatz Stanev (streaming/PTZ), Daniel Kourtev (editor), Venata Koleva (camera operator), Daniela Krusteva Richie (graphic elements)
Edition adjustments: Henrique Coe
Program note:
“Sapientia” is the Latin word for “wisdom”, or “sofia” in Greek. Seeking wisdom, Greek philosophers contemplated nature to deeper understand it. They understood that there was a cosmos (Greek word for “order”) in nature, in which each thing had an end (finality) and would be satisfied once this end was reached. Noticing that human beings seemed dissatisfied and unaware of their finality, philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle concluded that the finality of human beings should be something very high and that intelligence and freedom of will would be required to achieve it; that this finality was happiness.
However, given that humans are rational beings, they also concluded that this happiness can only be found in the full activity of reason by achieving wisdom. The word “philosophy” means love for wisdom, and Pythagoras called “philosophers” those who seek it. Nonetheless, to achieve wisdom, human beings must order their passions, and for this it is necessary to develop virtues.
Sapientia, for orchestra, depicts the search for wisdom by someone who still struggles to keep his passions under control. With a duration of approximately 10 minutes and resembling a sonata form, the piece has an Introduction, an Exposition with two main themes, a Development, a Recapitulation and a Coda.
The first part of the Introduction starts with a mysterious atmosphere with the celesta showing glimpses of the O Sapientia’s theme. The second part of the Introduction presents a puzzling environment, mixing intervals in different woodwind instruments not fully forming a melody and glances of a triumph in the brass.
The Exposition starts in a dramatic manner with the strings playing the first theme, which may be called the struggle against passions’ theme. The low brass follows the strings. Suddenly, the tubular bells, echoed by the crotales, makes the atmosphere somewhat religious, preparing the way for the second theme. The celesta, accompanied by the harp then by other instruments, plays the Gregorian chant “O Sapientia”, the first antiphon of the so-called “O Antiphons”, which are usually sung before Christmas.
The Development starts with the low woodwinds resuming the idea of the second part of the Introduction. Other instruments join and elaborate the idea in an adventurous way. Then, a dialogue between the strings and the celesta takes place, showing the struggle against passions and the will to seek wisdom. The drama intensifies and leads to the Recapitulation.
The Recapitulation starts with the first theme being played in the key of the O Sapientia’s theme. Then, the tubular bells recall the religious environment, this time followed by a triumphant brass choir leading to the O Sapientia’s theme, which is now played in a more solemn manner, showing the triumph of wisdom. The strings have joined the celesta, indicating that the passions are now under control, making it possible to achieve wisdom. A short Coda concludes the piece, recalling the beauty and the triumph of wisdom.
Sapientia was premiered on 13 July 2025 by the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra in Sofia, Bulgaria, during the Sofia Symphonic Summit.