“It Is Finished”: Cantatas for Lent & Easter 2019 Wednesday, January 16, 2019
recommended by Judy H. and Jennifer F., Sacred Choral Music Specialists
It Is Finished: A Tenebrae Service by Mary McDonald
For Holy Week or Good Friday, “It Is Finished” is a unique, powerful, and compelling Tenebrae service from the always uncommonly creative Mary McDonald. At 30 minutes in length, it is easily prepared and will serve perfectly as a centerpiece for any Holy Week service. Or, perform the anthems separately during Lent and Holy Week. The optional chamber orchestration is elegant, yet practical. Optional PowerPoint files with inspiring images for projection during the service will add a moving visual element. Titles include “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross;” “I Am Light, I Am Life, I Am Love;” “As You Will, It Will Be;” “It Is Finished,” and more.
Calvary’s Love by Lloyd Larson & Jay Rouse
In “Calvary’s Love,” Lloyd Larson and Jay Rouse offer an inspiring reminder of the gifts of love and life that are ours because of the price Jesus paid at Calvary. Flexibly conceived for Lent, Holy Week, or Eastertide programming, it may be performed as a whole, or each individual anthem may be presented during the weeks leading up to Easter, depending on your programming needs. Small and large choirs alike will find the choral writing appealing and versatile, and accompaniment options range from piano only to Ed Hogan’s powerful orchestration. Choirs and congregations will be encouraged by this musical telling of the timeless message of God’s sacrifice and love through Jesus. “Greater love has no one than this: that one lay down His life for His friends.”
About the Authors:
Judy H. has been working in Stanton’s Choral Department since 1975. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Bowling Green State University, and a Master’s degree in Choral Conducting from The Ohio State University. A member of the Grove City Chamber Singers, Judy also enjoys reading and spending time with her four grandchildren.
Jennifer F. is a graduate of Otterbein College with a degree in Vocal Performance. She has worked at Stanton’s for over 14 years specializing in Sacred Choral, Classical Vocal and Handbell music. Jennifer is Director of Handbells at Worthington Presbyterian Church and sings in the First Church Choir at First Congregational Church in Columbus Ohio, and is also the founder, Artistic Director and bass bell ringer for Handbells Columbus.