After the stoning of Stephen, Saul launched an all out persecution of the early Christianchurch and became legendary in his pursuit to exterminate all who believed. But as Saul(also called Paul) later wrote, he was blinded by a light from heaven as he traveled toDamascus and was confronted by a voice that called out to him, saying Saul, why do youpersecute me? This event has become known as the conversion of Saul, as Saul turnedfrom his murderous deeds and spent the remainder of his life as a Christian missionary. Thismusical work (The Conversion of Saul) begins with a raucous depiction of death anddestruction through highly accentuated rhythmic treatment and repeated agitation of thetext. A pedal tone emerges in the middle of the piece, symbolizing the one true light. Thiscontinuum of light brings Saul to his knees, and commissions him to a life of turninghatred into love and bringing compassion to those around him.
