| Numinous The Music of Joseph C. Phillips Jr. |
Seeker (2005)
Seeker (2005)
Original version commissioned by the St. Olaf College Jazz Ensemble, Northfield, MN
12 minutes
Seekers, a religious society begun in the late 1620’s in England, believed all established churches were morally and socially corrupt. Subsequently rejecting all forms of organized religion and ritual, Seekers wanted to establish a new church free from dogma. Members would hold ‘meetings’, where they waited in silence for divine revelation, rather than conduct religious services. Seekers also had a liberal and progressive philosophy, embracing many diverse ideas and positions that anticipated and were later adopted by the Quakers. While the Seekers continued into the 18th century as an ‘organized’ religion, the term “Seeker” became a title for certain individuals of distinction who were explorers and searchers of the mind and spirit.
A seeker in JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series is the most important player in the sport Quidditch. Chasing a small, elusive object called a snitch, the seekers literally soar above and around the Quidditch pitch on their broomsticks (after all, Quidditch is called the “sport of wizards”) trying to capture the snitch in order to end the match.
The feeling Harry Potter experiences while sweeping through the sky on his Firebolt broomstick is similar to the joy and ecstasy Seekers (both religious and non-religious) feel in their quest for a “sense of life.”
Original version commissioned by the St. Olaf College Jazz Ensemble, Northfield, MN
- Chamber ensemble version: 3 woodwinds, Trumpet, Trombone, Vibraphone, Marimba (or Guitar or Harp), Piano, Percussion, 2 violins, 2 Cellos, Bass (substitute parts available for woodwinds)
- Jazz Ensemble version
12 minutes
Seekers, a religious society begun in the late 1620’s in England, believed all established churches were morally and socially corrupt. Subsequently rejecting all forms of organized religion and ritual, Seekers wanted to establish a new church free from dogma. Members would hold ‘meetings’, where they waited in silence for divine revelation, rather than conduct religious services. Seekers also had a liberal and progressive philosophy, embracing many diverse ideas and positions that anticipated and were later adopted by the Quakers. While the Seekers continued into the 18th century as an ‘organized’ religion, the term “Seeker” became a title for certain individuals of distinction who were explorers and searchers of the mind and spirit.
A seeker in JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series is the most important player in the sport Quidditch. Chasing a small, elusive object called a snitch, the seekers literally soar above and around the Quidditch pitch on their broomsticks (after all, Quidditch is called the “sport of wizards”) trying to capture the snitch in order to end the match.
The feeling Harry Potter experiences while sweeping through the sky on his Firebolt broomstick is similar to the joy and ecstasy Seekers (both religious and non-religious) feel in their quest for a “sense of life.”
Thanks and credit to all the original photos on this website to: David Andrako, Concrete Temple Theatre, Marcy Begian, Ed Lefkowicz, Donald Martinez, Kimberly McCollum, Geoff Ogle, Joseph C. Phillips Jr., Daniel Wolf-courtesy of Roulette, Andrew Robertson, Viscena Photography, Jennifer Wohrle, Carolyn Wolf. The Numinous Changing Same album design artwork by DM Stith. The Numinous The Grey Land album design and artwork by Brock Lefferts. Contact for photo credit and information on specific images.