Justinian - Epic Symphony

[@faryafaraji]

Music composed by Farya Faraji, and featuring instruments by Dimitris Athanasopoulos, Ilias Vlamakis, Ilias de Sutter Ndavidlis, Gökhan Saraç, Izet M, Carmel Abramovitch, and Latin translations by Demetrios Paraschos. A massive shoutout to Ilias Vlamakis for allowing me to use his lyra recordings. Please check out his amazing work at Cretan Lyra Lab: kzbin.info/door/RZ1_Xp1e_MAdgOpXXYAOLQ This symphony tells the story of Eastern Roman emperor Justinian I, using the musical language of modern Greek music and its Byzantine medieval antecedents, both secular and liturgical. The soundscape consists of a wide variety of instruments: the oud, kanun and lyras, which served as the central trinity of Eastern Roman court music in the 1000's to the end of the empire, ancient instruments going all the way back to Antiquity and still played today like the tsambouna and mandouras, and folk instruments like the tambouras family of lutes and the kaval flute of northern Greece. The melodies are based on the compositional and performative practices of liturgical Byzantine and Old Roman Chant, regional folk music such as Cycladic, Cretan, Pontic, Thracian Greek music, etc, with the exception of passages dealing with other cultures than the Eastern Romans. The chapter "A New Cathedral" is not my own composition and is a lyra rendition of the traditional Orthodox hymn Xristos Anesti. The chapter "Theodora's Malady" is not my own composition and is instead a 16th century Greek composition by a Greek Orthodox monk called Vatepodinos the Younger, played expertly here by Ilias Vlamakis of the Cretan Lyra Lab channel. The lyrics are written in and pronounced using Classical Latin for convenience: it is not representative of how Latin was spoken at the time. Note that I also ignored vowel length and stress accent frequently for this symphony. 00:00 Overture : I am Justinian 08:20 My Empress 13:42 The Reforms 19:20 The Shadows Over Me 25:32 Nika 35:26 The General 40:00 A New Cathedral 44:00 Renovatio Imperii: Part I 58:54 Renovatio Imperii: Part II 1:06:12 Belisarius' Crown 1:12:24 The Weight of Dreams 1:16:00 The Two Eyes of the Earth 1:29:26 The Plague 1:34:12 The Empress Reigns 1:39:12 Theodora's Malady 1:42:00 Farewell, My Queen 1:47:30 Time 1:52:12 A General's Farewell 1:57:14 Legacy 2:00:50 Death

[@alucard347]

Amazing work Farya! I was under the impression that it would be a long time before you'd assemble all the required melodies to create a symphony for Justinian, and yet the size and scale of this symphony is truly a spectacle! Well done! As a side note, could you perhaps write the lyrics in the description of the video? You used to do this with the older videos, and while it's nice that you show the lyrics on screen, it would also be great if you could have them written down in the comments or something.

[@nektarkir4220]

Nice work as always , i would love to see a complete song for him , just like what you did with belusarius ! All in all beautiful music !

[@guydelusignan9561]

2 hours.... time to read a book while listening

[@Camel1453scio]

Thank you for this brilliant symphony, I couldn’t find the lyrics, could you please add them to the description?

[@baboskin1]

Farya, what is known about ancient Greek dance music? Judging by the images on the vases, music was quite dynamic.

[@rorrikiller8662]

Realizing Justinian born 5-6 years after Roman west fall, and he died 5 years before the birth of Muhammad :o the pure definition of late antiquity

[@SuccNasty123]

Early Middle Ages, not late antiquity.

[@imjoeim]

wow

[@Bronze_Age_Sea_Person]

not only him, but Khosrow II's reign was also said definition too. I really wish Farya one day make epic symphony about him.

[@RedPawner]

@@Bronze_Age_Sea_Person Me too

[@chrisgivestricks1810]

Only to be more amazed that Narses was just 2 when western rome just fell and lived to be 95 years old when Emperor Justin II took the throne

[@Railfan105.]

That point at 1:56:50 where Belisarius's Motif comes in triumphantly one last time, and Justinian telling his friend to go and conquer one last time, man the chills hit me hard.

[@MalharBedarkar-bv9tf]

The mosaic of Justinian and his retinue came in my dream just a day before my trip to italy. But, Belisarius was more clearly visible. When i visited Ravenna and went to the mosaic, my mom exclaimed and said that i look like the bearded guy with big hair. She was referring to Belisarius. I feel honoured.

[@arturzitosqgostadechitus3289]

Bro is belisaried

[@lynxon9939]

bit cringe comment but ok.

[@jaelan.carvajal6082]

​@@lynxon9939 Not cringe by any means.

[@MalharBedarkar-bv9tf]

​@Belisarius188 Sorry, magister militarum

[@stoicmf8540]

by this sign, conquer.

[@bobalexandrovich1506]

Homeless canadian man has cooked up 2 hours of pure gold

[@iberius9937]

Homeless? God forbid.

[@willyb7353]

@@iberius9937 I would give him my home!

[@Elpadrino1407]

@@iberius9937 what does your comment even mean?

[@IkhtionikosVDS]

@@Elpadrino1407 I'm willing to bet a mortgage that he means that he has long hair and beard

[@BartlomiejDmowski]

@@Elpadrino1407 It means that God wouldn't let our great Iranian-Canadian composer be homeless

[@glishev]

Farya, you've created the OST of a future film about Belisarius!

[@breakinggood3601]

Im gonna do it, It's gonna be the new Gladiator m8. Just you wait

[@davidfawcett3144]

Based on the book Count Belisarius by Robert Graves, I hope. Very sad ending. No spoilers here, though.

[@breakinggood3601]

@@davidfawcett3144 that book hit too hard.

[@President_Snow]

If olny greeks have balls...

[@ranjanasharma335]

@@breakinggood3601 dude i am waiting .

[@maksimovicdushan6740]

Belisarius part of Nika slaps harder than my dads belt, the part is so good that deserves a separate video. Love to Iranian God of music.

[@Kartlos1]

A 2 hour long symphony by Farya Faraji was not something I deserved, but it was definitely something I needed. Thank you Farya.

[@88kjk75]

Justinian would have never imagined that a millenia and a half later an Iranian would compose a two-hour long symphony in his memory.

[@crunkdaconqueror778]

Makes sense. Both Rome and the Sassanids had great empires and respect towards each seems almost a must give that their flame was weakened by each other and finally put out by the scourge of Islam. Persians should be venerated to the same degree as Greeks and Romans for their culture, power, language, and history

[@anonosaurus4517]

@@crunkdaconqueror778 Absolutely correct. This Iranian man - this is his heritage too, and how fitting it is that he is the composer!

[@_SUPREME_ARCHAILECT_OF_MALAYS]

​@@crunkdaconqueror778Ah the Arabs. Conquerer of 2 ""Great""" Empires that were too Greedy for Power. Based.

[@m3tsmar]

Some people think that weather snd technology is a proofs civilisation - in fact it just means that since you can no longer do defensive or offensive just god ( San Nan ) makes funny gestures

[@mp6471]

No. Maybe he would have thought a Greek or a Roman-Italian would have, but certainly not an Iranian, the archenemies of Eastern Romans.

[@PharaohRamessesOsymandias]

OH MY GOD IT HAS BEEN RELEASED WE WON, ROMEBROS

[@bobafett9348]

​@IamnotracistlmaoBut I am still alive

[@KARKATELCESARENVIADODESA-pv4yd]

WE'RE SO BACK.

[@Thug_Shaker]

HWABAG

[@Adventeuan]

@@bobafett9348 It doesn't mean you'll die. You'll PROBABLY die. Although as we all know nothing is eternal so the west will collapse and maybe resurge and collapse until all of humanity has died.

[@thewekender2701]

This is an absolute, complete masterpiece. It's totally sublime, truly, being among the ranks of your followers is a delight. To be a long lasting follower of the "Faraji-verse" and being able to recognize all the leitmotifs and songs is something truly unique to you and your music

[@lucylucratoru6728]

Absolutely impeccable, the culimation of your many years of work, your greatest symphony so far and worthy of being called your magnum opus. Every segment makes you feel like you're living through a chapter of Justinian's reign, each giving off different emotions and telling a story. This masterpiece left me in awe. I've never seen someone teach history through music with the same skill you can, listening to it is as if I'm reading a book. You are one of a kind artist, Farya, and we forever appreciate your work.

[@faryafaraji]

I'm honoured Lucy, thanks!

[@justinianthegreat1444]

Farya did such a good job in this one though he didn't add the segment of Belisarius receiving a triumph in Constantinople but damn the Renovatio Imperii segments were so triumphant

[@RightToArmBears1]

​@@Busson_0 If you're looking for them, they have been re-uploaded on this channel: www.youtube.com/@AlexandraBandean

[@williammacdonald3173]

​@justinianthegreat1444 hello your majesty. I love your work

[@RoenComic28]

Incredible. I find myself coming back to this again and again throughout the day. It truly feels like watching an opera. When Belisarius's theme started playing, it was like seeing the return of a beloved character in a play or movie.

[@FlavioBelisario5822]

Εδώ είμαι, πιστή φίλη. Ο Βελισάριος σε ευλογεί. 🙏

[@BarbaraJean-du9ys]

​@@FlavioBelisario5822hi General.

[@javidhuseynli5628]

What a legend Farya Faraji is, imagine if he gets his deserved recognition and we will wait for his concerts in our countries. One day, god bless

[@whiteeagleboneguard]

Imagine a whole concert hall singing in Latin, Greek and Farsi

[@javidhuseynli5628]

would pay fortune to witness that @@whiteeagleboneguard

[@symphonyoforder]

I had been listening to Belisarius for 3 days straight. I'm not sure whether it's because I'm tired, but A General's Farewell made me legit cry, especially the final third. I haven't cried so hard over a song in forever. That symphony is a masterpiece for being able to make me nostalgic for a track I discovered not even a week ago and sad for a Roman general and a Roman emperor who died almost 1500 years ago. My subscription is more than deserved.

[@walemaa5631]

It is not normal that I looked at a nearly static image for several hours paying maximum attention... twice. And counting. Your art is magic, Farya

[@charlesmaximus9161]

I especially love how you used the melody to the Paschal troparion “Χριστός ἀνέστη”, for the track “New Cathedral” at 40:00. As an Orthodox Christian, I absolutely loved this. What a genuine masterpiece this is in its entirety. Many in the comments have noted that it is like a film score. Now, I don’t know about this rather mediocre-looking “Napoleon” film that just came out, but I know one thing; if they ever produce an epic biopic of Emperor Justinian, you had better be the one and only person they employ to create the score for that project. Because, as far as I am concerned, you are the only one that could pull that off. You continue to be my favourite new musical artist, Farya. God bless you and may He bestow upon you even greater success in the near future. ☦️🙏

[@miastupid7911]

Yeah. There is a reason why they won't produce any epic on Justinian or any one after him. And when they do promote those that are made it is from the Ottoman perspective. And no, Farya shouldn't get involved with Hollyweird or its derivatives. He should stay free.

[@charlesmaximus9161]

@@miastupid7911 Oh, absolutely, I’m well aware of this. I just meant if, hypothetically, there were ever an accurate epic biopic produced independently about Emperor Justinian, Farya’s music would surely be among the best choices. Unfortunately, unless someone based enough with a lot of money makes this a top priority, it will probably never happen.

[@marioernestoguzmanruiz2257]

This man makes it possible for Christians from the East and the West to live together in peace listening to great songs that, without a doubt, we hope we can tell the saints about them someday.

[@FlavioBelisario5822]

Εγκρίνω το σχόλιό σου.

[@arturzitosqgostadechitus3289]

No one is talking about The iranian part 😢 farya put his soul on that one

[@IzabellaCzagany]

That's one of my favourites. I don't know, how many listened :)

[@pedramhadipour5914]

Where’s the Iranian part?

[@arturzitosqgostadechitus3289]

@@pedramhadipour5914 two eyes of earth

[@pedramhadipour5914]

Thanks 🙏🏼

[@kob4165]

Agreed

[@Nadadenasanada]

Et leges romae terram regent. And the laws of Rome will rule the Earrh. And it was as is. The ius civilis, the ius gentium, the constitutiones and the digesto rules all the world. Justinian was the builder of the world. What amazes me is how this composer who has it’s own cultural background, is able to show all us the power of history and the power of research.

[@BojackHorsedude]

The Last of the Romans is well deserving of his own symphony. Thank you for all your amazing music!

[@justinianthegreat1444]

You mean Konstantinos XI Palaialogos?

[@jonathanakesson3507]

​@@justinianthegreat1444 Yes, Constantine XI is the literal last roman emperor but Justinian the Great was the last ROMAN emperor before the empire became completely greek-ified. His rule marked the final swan-song of the classical era and into the early medieval dark age.

[@justinianthegreat1444]

@@jonathanakesson3507 the Empire was already Hellenized prior to my reign, are you eating moussakas all day?

[@dziosdzynes7663]

@@jonathanakesson3507 the empire was always greekified because it was a grecoroman empire, what are you smoking

[@bobafett9348]

@@jonathanakesson3507 "Hurl your javelins and arrows against them . . . so that they know that they are fighting . . . with the descendants of the Greeks and the Romans"

[@morquendil2428]

Bildirimi görür görmez atlayıp geldim. Büyük İmparatorun ruhu şad olsun. Türkiye'den sevgiler, saygılar 🇹🇷

[@Baltaoglou03]

Bir türk olarak seni selamlıyorum kardeşim! Romae invicta!!

[@artinrahideh1229]

انوشه باد ایرانشهر

[@ROSTAMFAROKHZAD-fl6wk]

الان ایرانشهر چه ربطی داشت که نوشتی؟مثلا با این کار چه اتفاقی می‌افتد؟!

[@artinrahideh1229]

@@ROSTAMFAROKHZAD-fl6wk خوشم اومد نوشتم مشکلی هست؟

[@ROSTAMFAROKHZAD-fl6wk]

@@artinrahideh1229 چه جالب،منم از مامانت خوشم میاد؛ پسرم

[@lentien4440]

Truely a masterpiece. Justinian definitely deserved 2 hours of symphony to narrate his life. I hope to hear more Byzantine symphonies like this one. Maybe something about Alexios I Komnenos based on the Alexiad. Or something centered on Konstantinos XI Palaiologos revisiting in detail the fall of Constantinople from the point of view of the last romans.

[@marcus4046]

could also do the battle of the cataluanian plains with aetius,theodoric,and attlia the hun.

[@tomko_lep]

"Ille mihi amicvs erat, ivstvs et fidelis" nearly made me cry

[@Thug_Shaker]

I imagined that you would do a Justinian symphony one day, but I didn’t know how you would work his reign in as he wasn’t very active himself. And yet you still managed to make one. I am not even halfway through and this is splendid. I absolutely love the Greek rendition of Sons of Mars, it was my first song of yours that introduced me to your music, and I felt like a little boy opening gifts on Christmas when that suddenly popped up.

[@BarbaraJean-du9ys]

He was called the sleepless emperor. He was very active

[@Thug_Shaker]

@@BarbaraJean-du9ys I know that, I meant that he didn’t actively go fighting in wars himself

[@theshadowsagas3617]

2-HOUR JUSTINIAN SYMPHONY??? The best early Christmas gift I didn't know I needed

[@WhiteRoom_618]

I listened it every day from publication, and think that the best songs are: The Reforms, Renovatio Imperii: Part I, Renovatio Imperii: Part II and The Two Eyes of the Earth. Because they much epic then other. Farya Faraji made good work! Actually our friend picked up very beautiful sound instruments. 100% epic!

[@WhiteRoom_618]

#justinian

[@gabrielantunesmusic6785]

I like very much the verses of Nika, in the voice of Belisarius, they keep singing in my mind... "Vade traditores, rebelles, insurgentes..."

[@WhiteRoom_618]

Dico vande, vince! Belisarius!@@gabrielantunesmusic6785

[@lords6263]

On the first day of Christmas my -True Love- Tsipouro Enjoyer gave to me, a 2 hour Justinian Symphony!

[@kalebthehistorian5928]

Am I the only who loves the ending of Belisarius's crown where it's him begging Justinian to recognize his loyalty.

[@AlbanTomaj]

Man, I just discovered your music and have become the biggest fan. Not just the actual music, but the historical details, the authenticity, the lyrics, and the story. I look forward to going through more songs and videos and sharing your content. Amazing work! As an Albanian born in the states, it’s also so interesting to hear the musical similarities between the different regions. Some sounds sound so familiar to me yet so foreign and it’s a testament to the ever changing cultural landscape of the region. Kudos to you!

[@resistersbu7043]

Это волшебно! Наблюдать за трансформацией империи, за изменением в языках и вере, наблюдать как старое угасает, и рождается что-то новое, как изменилось население Римской Империи и их языки! Хвала тебе Faria Faraji! Это просто прекрасно!

[@Bassilios-961]

I see Justinian, I press play

[@divinesovereign5889]

Great minds think alike.

[@tarvos_trigaranvs]

I see Farya Faraji, I press play

[@Vang2009]

Me too

[@brasidas33]

Me too. He was remarkable. God Bless the Emperor Justinian.

[@Lerenwordtleuker]

ἀμήν

[@olcooksy6132]

I count six languages in this piece! (depending on how you register Vandalish/Liturgical Gothic) A real achievement in poetry and music

[@AlphaCrucis]

If someone makes a cinematic documentary or movie about Justinian and Belisarius, this music had better be part of the soundtrack!

[@Esoteric_Loonaism]

Farya you've ruined me, that intro for Renovatio Imperii I will never be beat by anything else literally ever. It is the most galvinizing piece of music i've ever heard and will hear.

[@Esoteric_Loonaism]

I need to find, buy, and learn to play that askaulos sounding instrument IMMEDIATELY so I can play that absolutely mad solo entrance

[@Esoteric_Loonaism]

Update: it's the Tsampouna, currently saving up for one I found on etsy

[@og_finn661]

Farya has taught me how to experience music as a story tbh! The moment in Nika where I recognized Belisarius's music I knew exactly who was about to deal with the rioters. When Narses's music played alongside Belisarius's song and Sons of Rome I could so easily know that it meant there was infighting between the two generals and the army.

[@davidbalogun7569]

The combination of Latin and Greek in this is superb especially when i realised you used Latin lyrics with instrumentals from some of your greek works and Greek lyrics with instrumentals from some of your latin works. Really highlights the duality of the empire at this point. Also loved the effort in getting music in Vandal and Gothic i think? Insane amount of effort. Great stuff as usual, keep it up!

[@marcus4046]

what I like about this is that its also showing the hellenization of the empire and how the language of law and of the rulers is still latin (and will continue to be for maybe a century more) but Greek is starting to become more accepted as the predominate language of the empire is now greek but they are still 100% roman language be damned.

[@raynusgremont3664]

Comments about the song in parts (I'll update little by little): 00:00 *- Overture: I am Justinian* Here we are, for the best symphony we'll see in a long time on the Farya Faraji channel, and this will be Justinian's leitmotif, right? It's different from the others and definitely long, but it makes sense after all, it seems to be an exposition of everything he thought about what happened to Rome (literally half the empire became a handful of Romano-Germanic kingdoms) and his ambitions as the renewer of the Western Empire. 08:20 *- My Empress* It's simply divine in its composition, we revisit a new version of the music for Theodora. Nothing more fitting, she is "La Hembra" in person, as tough as the Walls of Constantinople. 13:42 *- The Reforms* They reminded me of the end of Augustus's symphony, a great historical-musical rhyme. Here we see a new emperor who wishes to emulate the glories of the past as Augustus did with the declining Roman Republic. 19:20 *- The Shadows Over Me* There's only one word to represent this part of the symphony: Past. *Edit:* I was taken by surprise, I didn't expect to see a version of the song *Sons of Mars.* 25:32 *- Nika* It's out of this world and perhaps the piece I will revisit the most here. It's a state of pure revolution and chaos here, and I almost thought there would be something from SPQR in the background just to show that something of the Republic still survived, which are the popular revolts against the authorities, but... Then Theodora came, eclipsing the voices of the imminent revolution, and then Belisarius ended the revolt, bringing order to the capital of Rome. I'm not seeing history happening before my eyes, I'm hearing it happen. 35:26 *- The General* It's grand. Justinian had just appointed one of his most loyal generals... 40:00 *- A New Cathedral* I don't know why, but sometimes it reminds me of Ceddin Deden out of nowhere and also the leitmotif of Romanos IV Diogenes. It's beautiful. *Edit:* It's *Christos Anesti,* I saw it in another comment, a new Farajian song (remastered by Farya Faraji) around here. 44:00 *- Renovatio Imperii: Part I* What a delightful piece of music, so many revisited leitmotifs, so much nostalgia, and I was expecting Gothic but still got surprised? Wow. 58:54 *- Renovatio Imperii: Part II* I'm delighted that Sons of Mars is being reused, I don't know if it's to represent the constant military campaigns of reconquest or Justinian himself. Clearly, this part is about the campaigns of Narses, but the ending is interesting because the leitmotifs of both generals synchronize. Magnificent, poetic. 1:06:12 *- Belisarius's Crown* It's sad when a just master is betrayed by his servant, Majorian knows this well. But tragic is when the genuinely loyal servant is not trusted in the eyes of his master. Justinian, you messed up everything. 1:12:24 *- The Weight of Dreams* Is it a nightmare? A dream? I don't know. Maybe Justin didn't sleep well after imprisoning Belisarius? 1:16:00 *- The Two Eyes of the Earth* It seems that eternal peace was not eternal. And what a piece of music, the leitmotif of the Sassanids was epic before, but here it's on another level. And I feel a very distinct air, I don't know why. 1:29:26 *- The Plague* It's devastating, the sound resembling the wind echoing in the now city of corpses, the cries of children and mothers... the first plague portrayed musically on your channel. 1:34:12 *- The Empress Reigns* Teodora is the definition of savior of the homeland... again. Imagine being in a coma and your wife is not only the toughest of all, but she relentlessly deals with the entire empire on her shoulders in a time when being a woman was a challenge in itself... but- 1:39:12 *- Teodora's Malady* It shows that even someone as relentless as the Walls of Constantinople is not exactly relentless. She was, above all, a human being and a being who could die. Teodora once said that those who wear the purple must die in it... well, she did, and she did it with all the possible honor. 1:42:00 *- Farewell, My Queen* Let's be honest, Justinian married very well, it was the best match he could have had but unfortunately, the protagonist of this story dies here, leaving only the husband. 1:47:30 *- Time* It's powerful just like the passage of time. It seems there was a long period of monotony and solitary rule in Constantinople, but history was being imprinted on the walls of the city, never to be forgotten. 1:52:12 *- A General's Farewell* Your queen is gone, now your most loyal general is also gone. He died poor and wronged, but always loyal. I don't know if Justinian recognized his mistake in distrusting Belisarius. Now only the king is left... a great king, with his mistakes and successes, but... at this moment in the music, surely lamenting his greatest mistake. 1:57:14 *- Legacy* - 2:00:50 *- Death* - -------- I haven't finished analyzing anything, but I've listened to all the music. I want to know all the leitmotifs of the symphony. And also its transliterated letters for phonetic pronunciation using the Latin alphabet. Either way, this symphony is badass and it's easy to say why, after all, Farya Faraji did it.

[@the_orthodox_historian]

Belisarius betrayed no one, he did what was right. He refused the crown after.

[@raynusgremont3664]

@@the_orthodox_historian I know, I was making a comparison. It's sad to be betrayed by someone you trust, but it's sadder to lose the trust of someone you're loyal to.

[@the_orthodox_historian]

@@raynusgremont3664 yep

[@restitvtororbis]

Afterall, Justinian was nothing more than a human: capable of great successes (thanks to the talent and ability of his generals), but not immune about making mistakes. If only he trusted Belisarius more... However I like very much the analisis you've done about all parts and, about the part "Legacy", I would say that it was like a chorus of voices that, despite they sing in different languages, they celebrate Justinian as they were one people, Romans.

[@irvansyahril7286]

"The Shadow over me" : Koitázo ton ouranó. Makriá, makriá, lámpoun T' astéria tou ouranoú, Nýchta, vasiléveis Ximérose, se kaló. Kýrie, deíxe éleos. Dóse mas fos, vasiliá. Dóse mou ti moíra mou. Eímai o Ioustinianós. Vasiliás ton Romaíon. Eímaste oi gioi tou Kapitolíou lýkou!

[@ShahanshahShahin]

It's Greek

[@romaboo9772]

Indo bro?

[@irvansyahril7286]

@@romaboo9772 Yoi

[@FlavioBelisario5822]

22:40

[@caervlevsmaximvs7518]

@22:32 This has to be the most beautiful yet epic re-do of your OG Roman song, Farya. I remember you once described it as “balls to the wall fantasy”, which is true, but by both all the Old Gods and the new One God, I wish I could one day become 1% as cool as you dude. Love ya 🫶🏻 Edit: it goes without saying but the entire symphony is jaw-dropping!! The start of Belisarius’ cameo is definitively another favorite of mine. 👌🏻

[@Thomas-t3m9y]

In which video he states that?

[@janstaniszewski536]

When I was listening to this for the first time and Narses' theme kicked in at " Renovatio ll" it gave me the chillest chills in my entire life😂 It was in this moment, when our favorite eunuch joined in to conquer the crap out of the Goths and the Vandals along with his friend Belisarius 😎

[@Gerasimos_slava]

Thank you Farya, I always listen to Byzantine and Roman music, this is a masterpiece I'll be listening for months!

[@ImperatorOfficial0]

Master of Music of the Imperial court of Constantinople, of the far domains of Canada and true son of the Magnificent Orient, Farya Faraji! He could not send us, history-loving Romanians a greater gift exactly on our National Day! 2 hours of pure emotions and epicness!

[@radu-andreinitu3961]

Man, you are a legend. This is glorious. Ave Iusinianus!

[@arturzitosqgostadechitus3289]

Man I can't wait for a Symphony of Basil II

[@badezour]

Trajan, Hadrian, Marcus Aurelius, Heraclio, Constatino, Romulus, etc

[@ghalilaelsimanjuntak6886]

he did it last year

[@arturzitosqgostadechitus3289]

@@ghalilaelsimanjuntak6886 Where? The only thing about Basil II Is bougaroktonos

[@ghalilaelsimanjuntak6886]

@@arturzitosqgostadechitus3289 oh, you mean the symphony like Justinian above? No, he haven't made it yet

[@arturzitosqgostadechitus3289]

@@ghalilaelsimanjuntak6886 yeah, a basil symphony with the quality that farya have in now days would be incredible

[@bubalolo]

The empress reigns variation on Theodoras Theme is a chefs kiss👌 I love the unexpected rise in intensity!

[@umbria_666]

Please help. I've been listening to the rehashed Sons of Mars for 3 hours straight. My ears have been blessed

[@Greekcypriot1]

As a Greek I see this as one of the best masterpiece for my country, thank you faryafaraji❤️(greek with Latin is amazing) 49:30 and with the Pontiac "λύρα" you skyrocket it.

[@xinglanclever]

I hope you can revive your great ideals, follow in the footsteps of Venizelos, raise the Eastern Roman flag in Constantinople 570 years ago again, and let the world once again look at the Roman Empire itself instead of its so-called successor - Greece

[@Hioloi]

Byzantine Empire is Turkish history. BTW, Cypriots are levantine Arabs, not Greeks.

[@Hioloi]

​@@xinglanclever Average cringe anime lover

[@Yhan-rw8rt]

​@@Hioloiuh im a turkish person and i definetly can say byzantine is not turkish history

[@Yhan-rw8rt]

​@@xinglancleveroh come on dont start a race war on every comment

[@xinglanclever]

The Romans, Chinese and Iran all had vast territories and ruled the seas, and China and Rome and Iran can be described as the three sparkling jewels in the crown of the world, they are the pride of the ancient world, such a historical background is not comparable to ordinary countries👍

[@hopeundertheblacksun]

Forgot about ancient India m8

[@qbpdnguyen2844]

​@@hopeundertheblacksunWell there is a huge difference between India and the three which is division. There is no Indian Empire that has really united India, both Mauryan and Mughal struggled to conquer the south. India is also a thousand times more divided than the other three powers. This is even more true to China and Rome both of which continuously survive for 2000 years.

[@BarlasofIndus]

​@@qbpdnguyen2844 mughal empire conquered most of the south, held 24% of global economy and population and was amongst the second most diverse empires in human history, aside from the Mongol empire

[@qbpdnguyen2844]

@@BarlasofIndus and it only lasts 300 years, which is less than 10% of Indian history( if we count from Indus Valley Civilization) and it also came very late at around 1500 AD. Meanwhile, the Greeks at 300s BC, the Iranians at 600s BC, the Chinese at 200s BC. Not only that, they also stayed as an independent identity for very long( the Greeks later on inheriting Roman identity too and live for another 1000 years).

[@akshaygururani8904]

This music is otherworldly, bringing to life the ancient world and combining it with the ecstasy of spirit. Someone who can compose something as beautiful as this must certainly be a very old soul having gathered the wisdom of the ages, that is felt, as it reverberates in each cell of one's body!

[@HangrySaturn]

I've listened to this symphony at least 5 times by now. Farya Faraji, you're fuckin' amazin'.

[@iberius9937]

Makes sense why the lyrics should he mosty in Latin rather than Greek. Justinian was a Latin-speaking Illyrian. So the words bearing his thoughts should naturally be in Latin, since it is said he spoke Greek with a poor accent, anyway.

[@zlatnialev]

@@iberius9937 latin speaking thracian*

[@OrderOfExpeculor]

Absolutely amazing piece of music! I can only imagine simular symphonies about emperors like, Alexios I Komnenos, Basil II or Constantine XI Palaiologos, and I can't wait to hear what those would be like. Again amazing job creating this symphony!

[@arturzitosqgostadechitus3289]

We need a New fall of Constantinople Symphony, he can change the name and put "fall of Rome"

[@bestx1234]

He was my friend just and loyal 😔😭

[@ronin3381]

1:05:35 Hearing three themes in three different languages at the same time is aural perfection Edit: 1:58:44 as well

[@KARKATELCESARENVIADODESA-pv4yd]

Can't believe I missed this for one month. No matter what every over-night turned historian says.... he will always be my favorite.

[@sistemasrbija]

Χριστὸς ἀνέστη ἐκ νεκρῶν, θανάτῳ θάνατον πατήσας, καὶ τοῖς ἐν τοῖς μνήμασι, ζωὴν χαρισάμενος!

[@Illyri-l6v]

@@sistemasrbija zoti I islamit osht I vërtet Jo jesusi grek

[@markscf4654]

Never ever did i hear something as epic as this.... from Germania Inferior, many thanks!

[@mohamedamr8227]

This two hours symphony is better than 5 hours movie

[@Vang2009]

Jesus Christ 2 hours, wow. This should be played in an opera house or a stadium cause listening to this for free feels like a crime.

[@FlavioBelisario5822]

Hagia Sophia ☦️✊

[@xinglanclever]

So clever, Belisari@@FlavioBelisario5822

[@Franco99028]

Theodora's theme during Nika shows her convincing to Justinian, brilliant!

[@IzabellaCzagany]

And you can hear the duduk too - when Narses pays off the Blues not to fight with the Greens against the emperor's soldiers ;)

[@NorwegianSedevacantist]

I love the constant hint towards older Roman and Byzantine songs in this video like the fall of Constantinople for the reforms, sons of Mars for the shadows over me, and more. It’s honestly great.

[@pavlos.1212]

Amazing! greetings from Spain🇪🇸

[@tkapuscinski]

Farya, I just want to thank you. Your work is becoming more and more mature, and such long songs are really very refined. This is probably your best work (and Manzikert and Nineveh set the bar high!). This is so good that I'm worried you'll stop making equally long songs from my favorite Byzantine series.

[@Flibbertigibbetest]

Love it, Farya. I absolutely lack the words to describe just how awesome this piece is. Keep up the good work!

[@gen.flagvanus9260]

Legacy and general s farewell were truly striking me right in the heart and made me shed a tear🤧 This symphony is just a piece of art

[@PatrickBateman620]

Tell me honestly - are you God yourself? This is just a monumental masterpiece for 2 hours! delight, awe and pleasure, that’s what you inspire with your voice and time spent! 😇😌🙏

[@janstaniszewski536]

The Nika Riots, so beautifully presented here, is the part of this story where you realise that, despite their greatness and well deserved sentiment we have towards them, Justinian and Theodora were both actually pretty ruthless autocrats who would take any means necessary to keep their power. And that's pretty terryfing that the rioters who were so cruelly crushed by Belisarius' forces may have actually wanted nothing but a better tomorrow for themselves. 😨😰 But as it had always been, The Sword of Rome is as ruthless as the hand that raises it.

[@heyokasamurai453]

A good number of the leaders were paid by justinians rivals to so they can demand things like the removal of certain people eventually even Justinian by dragging his cousin from his villa to the city

[@irvansyahril7286]

Renovatio imperii : part II Κοιτάμε τον ουρανό, μακριά μακριά λάμπουν Τ' αστέρια του ουρανού, νύχτα, βασιλεύεις Σας καλούμε προγόνοι, Κύριε δείξε έλεος! Δώσε μας φως βασιλιά, δώσε μας την μοίρα μας Είμαστε ο Τράϊανος, είμαστε ο Αδριανός Είμαστε οι γιοί του καπιτωλιού λύκου Koitáme ton ouranó, makriá makriá lámpoun T' astéria tou ouranoú, nýchta, vasiléveis Sas kaloúme progónoi, Kýrie deíxe éleos! Dóse mas fos vasiliá, dóse mas tin moíra mas Eímaste o Tráïanos, eímaste o Adrianós Eímaste oi gioí tou kapitolioú lýkou

[@zoroaster5353]

thanks man, been wondering what the lyrics for this segment was.

[@irvansyahril7286]

@@zoroaster5353 you're welcome bro

[@BigBadWolframio]

This was such a pleassure to listen to. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and music with us, Farya!

[@aliettokadi]

My tier list: 1. Every Belisarius Symphony 2. Renovatio Imperii Part 1&2 3. The Two Eyes of the Earth 4. I am Justinian 5. Nika 6. Time 7. The Empress Reigns 8. Death 9. The Reforms. 10. The Shadows over me

[@vituscorvinus3110]

Beautiful! I especially love the subtitles which make it way easier to follow and are like a reward to those who study those languages to be able to comprehend them. I have also noticed a real feature of medieval Latin - vowel lengths being shuffled around such as fūgit (For present) instead of fugit or in the case of the video duodēcim instead of duodecim which I find more pleasant to the modern ear.

[@darthnymruk9766]

Renovatio imperii: part ii really needs a lyrics on screen version it is amazing!!!

[@Creepster329]

With all these beautiful songs, you made my day better. Thank you!

[@HDK1992]

I habve hearad all Your Symphony and was ... beatiful. I was felt like in Justinian's times. Thank You so much!

[@RichieSchwarzman]

Let me add my share of praise to the comments. Farya, I have been listening to some of your work for the past few months, this one, however, steals the cake. Astounding work! I really like how you have woven the Belisarius theme into the whole fabric of this piece! May your inspiration and talent never fade! Blessings from the Czech republic, dear friend. P.S. I never annoy my friends with musical tips, but I had to show them this one! :D

[@ARC9652]

34:21 I can vividly imagine this part over the visuals of Extra History's third episode about Justinian as the rioters were finally put down. "...By the end of the day, 30,000 people lay dead in the Hippodrome, and Justinian's reign would never be challenged again."

The more I study Eastern Roman history, the less I am a fan of Justinian. A man with a vision but able to fulfill it only due to able people around him. His wife and Empress Theodora, Flavius Belisarius, Narses the Eunuch and much more. Nonetheless, he gave us a dream to come alive and the empire to remember. Thank you for this symphony, Farya. 🙂❤

[@cloudftw113]

Honestly, his talent for team building is *why* I'm a fan Justinian tbh. It's a pretty damn good head to be able to properly delegate rather than trying to do everything solo ya know

@@cloudftw113 Thank you for your response. I agree with you in the part of Justinian being a ruler who knew who to pick and when to assign him the task for it to be done. However, thanks to Justinian propaganda many of successes acomplished by his subjects were atttributed to him and that is what raises my criticism towards Justinian. Nonetheless, he gave us a dream and an Empire to remember.

[@-amilius-6869]

I have a personal relationship with John of Cappadocia, who was in Justinian's circle. As far as I know, the story of Belisarius' sad end is borrowed from the fate of John Cappadocia. Indeed many talented people surrounded Justinian, most of them ended sadly.

[@BarbaraJean-du9ys]

​@@-amilius-6869belisarius actually got by OK. He died of natural causes in 565 months before justinian

[@Menskr]

I've lost count of how many times I've listened to this masterpiece of 2 hours. When working at college, the location doesn’t matter.

[@miguel_de_valdes]

Farya, I think, that this symphony is the best of your compositions. It is ideologically consistent: for example, pagan Vandal and Goth-Аrian choir against choir of Belisarius and Narses praising the christian emperor and Virgin Mary during the storming of Rome. We could hear something similar in "Battle of Nineveh", when the Iranians prayed to Ahura Mazda, and the Greeks praised God for defeating the pagan kings. In both cases, we see a confrontation not only between two states, but also between two religions, which was important in those days. In general, Orthodox hymns run through the entire symphony as a leitmotif, which very accurately complements the image of Justinian (by the way, as we know, he himself wrote a number of church hymns and convened the Fifth Ecumenical Council to resolve the already long confrontation between the Orthodox and Monophysites, which Theodora helped him restrain). "Theodora's Malady" and "Farewell, My Queen". I almost cried over these two parts. We know, how much Justinian loved Theodora. In memory of her, he built the main church in St. Katherine monastery near the Sinai. I’ve been working on the script for a new play for three months now, which will be dedicated to Justinian and his church works. Your composition will be a great help to me. And I hope that one day we will hear your works on a big stage, performed by large choirs. Maybe it will even become a new genre in opera. With deep gratitude from Ukraine.

[@OneFlyingTonk]

Best spent pair of hours of this year. I never thought such massive collaboration of artists could be achieved. I do recall once you said a Patreon was something you had to earn; now it seems that with this masterful piece of music, you indeed have. ¡May each work you do be worthy of the name magnus opus! ¡Onwards to new heights! Update after finishing the entirety of the symphony: All of the motiffs, all of the references to previous works, the mixture of old songs with new lyrics or instruments and the actual conversations in different languages...I will not lie, I did tear up a bit in some sections, I felt catharsis in others and *the plague* made my skin crawl.

[@9and7]

This channel is one of the great gifts of KZbin. Truly I hope all the success imaginable to match your own as it gives us one gift after another of Oikumene Music past, presetnt and future. Puno Hvala!

[@PROOB-xq2rq]

Farya Faraji's symphonies are perfect for musicals.

[@latifakudsi1376]

Holy God of music!!! 😲 I was waiting for something extraordinary, but I truly was shocked... never expected something this magnificent 🔥 Breathtaking!! SOOO Astonishing!! What have you done!!!! ❤ How you balanced between tough music and light voice tones And vice versa... The ups and downs through the whole time are amazing!!! I'm literally unable to specify what is the greatest about this symphony! re-performing songs that I used to listen to? the new one's? the composing of every piece and corner of it all? Or The spirit that is spreading in each tone!? Simply, SOUL BLOWING 🔥 It was a journey full of me saying to my self:"Oh! My heart!" ❤ OK! I think I need to comment on each song a side!!😍😅😁... Thank you Farya 🙏🏻

[@cloudftw113]

Nah, go ahead and make that Patreon, if this doesn't prove that you've earned one then I don't know what would because I would legit buy this as an album.

[@fynntotalwar1672]

I want to like it 20 times thank you for your work

[@KochinPleaseexplain]

Transliterated lyrics to sing along to the Greek part in The Shadows Over Me: Koitazo ton ourano makria makria Lampouv T asteria ton ourano, nychta vasileveis Ximerose se kaló kyrios deixe eleos Dóse mas fos. Basilia. Dóse mou ti moira mou Eimai o Ioustinianos.Basilias ton Romaion Eimaste oi gioi tou kapitolou lýkou I don't have any knowledge of Greek except I can read some letters so if there are any mistake let me know!

[@MoscaNegra333]

Magnífica pieza, Farya. Gracias por traer estas obras de música maestra

[@michalplaneta1586]

Rebels since 32:32: "Why do we hear boss music?"

[@alinconstantin5307]

No need to create technology to go back in time. Farya and some history knowledge is all what you need. Bro, would love to hear your creation about Saint Emperor Constantine the Great (who created the Byzantine Empire) and Emperor Trajan's greater general: Saint Evstatie Plachida. Chapeaux bass!

[@ShahanshahShahin]

The Two Eyes of the Earth 🌍

[@gregoryheers2633]

1:01:10 WOW! "We are the sons of the Capitoline Wolf"?? These are epic lyrics, and deserve to be seen! Then again, perhaps it's better this way, us having to strain our ears to catch the lyrics as they come, together with the music, and not reading ahead and seeing the words dry and naked without the music. Thank you for creating this symphony, Farya!!

[@gregoryheers2633]

Oh, sorry, I didn't realise that you display the lyrics on the screen on their first occurrence, and not thereafter. I like that approach. (I edited my previous comment accordingly.)

[@dannygo500]

Now I can do my homework withouth listening to a song for the 678th time. Thank you.

[@NoName-yw1pt]

Just finished it all. Feels like I just came out of the cinema

[@louielofterra1862]

Oh man I got to go play Attila total war now. This is you best one so far keep it up 👍🏻

[@Eazy-ERyder]

This is truly great. Long live Justinian THE GREATEST!

[@DarkSamael55]

I have never been more terrified listening to music as listening to the plague Pure goosebumps

[@SaiKrishnaK-sq8ul]

My brain literally broke suddenly after seeing this in the feed.

[@davidbalogun7569]

A great idea popped into my head. A piece on Majorian would be amazing, the western empires final chance who tragically lost it all to betrayal

[@CONSTANTINEXI63]

The west may have fallen, and the east may have fallen. But Rome will never fall

[@grubbinvgm]

WOW, absolutely love how "Shadows Over Me" takes the originally Latin version (I think from the Carrhae suite?) and makes it Greek and Christian. Really awesome way to show how the empire has changed.