Monument to a Universal Marriage is a composition for two voices and ensemble; it can be performed by tenor-baritone or soprano-alto or soprano-baritone.

The composer has used an English translation of a love song found in the tomb of King Teye (Egypt). The text is also printed separately. Commissioned by the municipality of Best, on the occasion of its initiative to allow open civil marriage between people of the same sex.

Dedicated to my husband, Menno Zwart

Breath

I breathe your sweet breath

which comes forth from your mouth;

when I am reborn each day;

I behold your beauty every day./

[every new day I behold your beauty.]

I long for the sweetness of your voice,

like a taste of the northern breeze./

[It's my desire that I may hear your sweet voice,

even in the North Wind]

Love shall bring life to my limbs.

Give me your hands, holding your soul,

I shall embrace it and live.

Speak my name, again and forever:

it shall not sound without answer.

Give me your hands, holding your soul,

I shall embrace it and live.

Speak my name, [my love] again, [my love] and forever, [my love]

it shall not sound without answer

my love [my love] my love [my love] my love [my love] my love

love love.

After a love song found in the grave of King Teje;

Egypt, 18th dynasty (3300 years ago)

taken from: "The Life and Times of Akhnaton Pharaoh of Egypt"

by Arthur Weigall (1910/1920)

translation: Alan Gardiner/Em Angevaare