The earth shook, and its foundations trembled; the sun fled away, and the elements turned back, and the day was changed into night: for they could not endure the sight of their Lord hanging on a tree. The whole creation was amazed, marveling and saying, "What new mystery, then, is this?” -Melito of Sardis (ca. 100-180 AD)This piece is a setting of the ancient text, translated from Syriac, about the Incarnation of Christ. The poem reflects on the mystery of the Incarnation, the ineffable and paradoxical concept of an all-powerful God taking on the humility of human form, enduring the limitations and sufferings in order to reverse the world’s curse of death and bring the suffering, the marginalized, and oppressed into His divine, life-creating splendor.The piece is composed for solo soprano and double-reed quartet. The double-reeds provide the expressive commentary on the text, equally yoked with the voice. Vines climbing up trees, interweaving with each other as they go, roots creeping across the forest floor, the flora coming to life and taking on sentience; these images provided much of the musical inspiration. I draw from the spirit of the organum and florid counterpoint of the late medieval period and early renaissance for this reason. The piece is an organic outward growth from the opening motive. For the first third or so, the music wanders, like the crawling vines, and the trajectory seems unclear. As the piece progresses, the harmonic journey becomes clearer,  a path is revealed, the grandeur and awe of this mystery becomes evident. ​Text:What New Mystery, then, is this?The judged is judged, but holds his peace.The invisible is seen, and is not ashamed.The incomprehensible is laid hold upon, and is not indignant.The illimitable is circumscribed, and doth not resist.The impossible suffers and doth not avenge.The celestial is laid in the grave, and endureth.What new mystery is this?