Bulwarkana
Alex Guebert’s original work, "Bulwarkana", is published in our Bay View Week of Handbells Series. The title Bulwarkana is a blending of 'bulwark' and 'arcana'. A bulwark is a fortifying wall. Arcana are mysteries; ancient truths that are not understood. In this piece, the strong and militant blends with the mysterious. Bulwark blends with arcana. The word bulwark is from German roots; arcana comes from Latin - another blending. The briefest glimpses of EIN FESTE BURG ("A Mighty Fortress Is Our God") are heard in the opening chorale; the text speaks of God being a bulwark who never fails. Near the end, the final strain of EIN FESTE BURG is proclaimed boldly: "His kingdom is forever!" How can we understand the ancient battle between God and the devil? The mysteries are profound.