Prelude no.1: The Pilgrim - Composed By Clinton Ruyg

Clinton composed his first piece just last year while taking my online composition course. Since then, he has composed many more works, all inspired by Bible verses and dedicated to the glory of God.

This Prelude symbolizes the journey of a Pilgrim, whose quest was to find out the meaning of Paul's words from 1 Thessalonians 5:17 - 'Pray constantly'. During his travels, the Pilgrim learns the Jesus Prayer: 'Lord, Jesus Christ, have mercy on me!'.

'Anyone who becomes accustomed to this prayer will experience great comfort as well as the need to say it continuously. He will become accustomed to it to such a degree that he will not be able to do without it and eventually the Prayer will of itself flow in him...' (pg. 9 from 'The Way of a Pilgrim', trans. H. Bacovcin).

The Pilgrim is represented by a repeated descending musical figuration and his pilgrimage is painted through the use of frequent key changes. Compositional devices such as divisions, tonicizations and the Rule of the Octave have been used to wonderful effect by Clinton.

Clinton has continued his studies with me and he never fails to amaze and inspire my own musical and spiritual development.

You can take the same course that sparked Clinton's creative journey at: https://daniel-s-school-9a66.thinkific.com/courses/compose-your-dream-piece-in-just-4-steps

Or, join a vibrant community of creative classical guitarists and gain access to the composition course, plus many other resources, live events and and much more: https://daniel-nistico.mn.co