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Mark Tully asks why dawn has such spiritual significance, even for those who are not at their best in the morning.

Millions of Hindus start their day by greeting the sun with a Yoga practice known as Surya Namaskar. During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims start their day at dawn.

In Japan Shinto believers bow before the rising sun and clap to get the sun goddess' attention, so that she will dispel evil. St. Benedict, the father of Western Christian Monasticism, ordained that monks should say the office of Matins. Yet not all of us are good in the morning. Notwithstanding it is difficult to ignore the mystical resonance of the sunrise.

With the help of Henry David Thoreau, Vachel Lindsay and Brendan Kennelly and with music from Carl Nielsen, Bruce Cockburn and Ortolino Respighi, Mark Tully explores the psychological and spiritual significance of this particular time of day.

The readers are Hattie Morahan and Dan Stevens.

Producer: Frank Stirling
A Unique production for ±«Óãtv Radio 4.

30 minutes

Last on

Sun 30 Oct 2011 23:30
±«Óãtv Radio 4

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Steps in Time

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Music Played

  • P.J. Hannikainen

    Pyhäaamun Rauha/The Peace of Sunday Morning

    Performer: Tapiola Choir, Matti Vainio, organ, Sinikka Kontio (Järvinen), kantele Matti Kontio, kantele

    • Maan korvessa kulkevi lapsosen tie - Sacred Songs.
    • Ondine.
    • ODE 902-2.

  • Ottorino Respighi

    III. I pini del gianicolo. lento

    Performer: Boston Symphony Orchestra

    • Seiji Ozawa Limited Edition.
    • Deutsche Grammophon (PolyGram).
    • 431 259-2.

  • Words: Keble, John; Tune: Melcombe, Kedron

    New Every Morning Is the Love (Hymn No. 238)

    Performer: The Choir of Sheffield Cathedral with Peter Heginbotham (organ)

    • The Complete New English Hymnal Vol. 13.
    • Priory Records.
    • PRCD-713.

  • Bruce Cockburn

    Sunrise on the Mississippi

    Performer: Cockburn, Bruce

    • Dart to the Heart.
    • Columbia.
    • CK53831.

  • Rattan Mohan Sharma

    Surya Namaskar

    Composer: Trad

    • Sacred Hindu Chants.
    • Times Music.
    • B0013K8KA8 (ASIN).

  • Carl Nielsen

    Helios Op.17

    Orchestra: Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Neeme Järvi.

    Performer: The Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra

    • Nielsen: Orchestral Works.
    • Chandos Records.
    • CHAN 9287.

Broadcasts

  • Sun 30 Oct 2011 06:05
    ±«Óãtv Radio 4
  • Sun 30 Oct 2011 23:30
    ±«Óãtv Radio 4