As Gentle Rain B.E. no. 3

‘As Gentle Rain’ B.E. no. 3   Robert Ghillies

a duet for Viola and ‘Cello

(commissioned; Rowena Winfield)

In 1976, we suffered a summer of drought. Endless clear blue skies, still air and a lack of rain lead to staleness in town and country alike. Without the naturally occurring aromas that we take for granted, the countryside and the open spaces in towns lost much of their natural beauty.

When the first few drops of rain fell, and it was no more than a gentle shower, the air became heavy and ones senses became overpowered as natures aromas were released.

I use this as an illustration, in reference to 23rd May 1844, when Siyyid ‘Ali-Muḥammed declared to Mulla Husayn-i-Bushrú’í that he was the Báb, or ‘Gate of God’. The Báb proclaimed Himself to be the Promised One of Islam, the Qá’im, and further declared that the Mission of His Dispensation was to alert the peoples of the world of the imminent advent of another Prophet, ‘Him Whom God shall make manifest’.

Indeed a shower of rain for a divided people.