Christmas Musicals for Church
Issue link: http://read.jwpepper.com/i/205119
2 From the composer Peter begins with the compelling question, "What is your passion?" As we read the Gospels, it is evident that Peter was a passionate person. This cantata leads us through Peter's experience with Christ: his call, his confession, his denial, his restoration, and his sending out. As we experience the story through Peter's eyes, we are led to ask, "What is our passion? What is our call? Who do we live for?" nl y Upon This Rock was originally written for a year with an early Easter. Though the work will last approximately 40 minutes, I designed it to be very efficient in its rehearsal time. The choir will only need to learn six anthems, plus a few familiar phrases for Were You There? One song is for solo only, and the finale is a reprise of What Is Your Passion? and Upon This Rock. The cantata may be presented during the week between Palm Sunday through Easter. However, because of its subject matter, it can also be sung sometime after Easter to allow more time for preparation. O As a church music director, I love to use cantata pieces on Sundays before and after the big presentation. Three pieces will work well in the weeks leading up to Easter, three pieces are specifically for Holy Week, and the remaining music may be presented on Easter Day and beyond. If fact, you may choose to present this story Sunday by Sunday. ew As always, please adapt the music to your group. Though some of the solos are from Peter's point of view, they could also be sung by choir members. If desired, Peter may be a choir member and simply come downstage for each portion of the storytelling. Peter may appear in costume, street clothes, or a choir robe. rP re vi Through the writing process, I reflected on Peter's boldness and passion. I identified with his imperfectness and found hope as Christ forgave and restored him after his failings. May this cantata inspire you and your congregation to experience the story with Peter and ultimately embrace the message of Upon This Rock: Fo And so our love, our love for Christ Will be the cause, the reason why we live our days To walk in faith, Faith in the rock, the solid rock. Companion products 55/1157L...... SATB Score 55/1158L...... SAB Score 55/1159L...... SATB Score with Performance CD 99/3104L...... Bulk Performance CDs (10 pak) 99/3101L...... Stereo Accompaniment CD 99/3102L...... Split-track Accompaniment CD 99/3103L...... SA/TB Part-dominant Rehearsal CDs (reproducible) Orchestration by Larry Shackley for 2 Fl, Ob, 2 Cl, Bsn, 2 Hn, 3 Tpt, 2 Tbn, Tuba, 2 Perc, Pno, Electric Bass, 2 Vln, Vla, Cello, Bass 30/2895L...... Full Score 30/2896L...... Set of Parts 30/2897L...... CD with Printable Parts 30/2898L...... Full Score and Parts plus CD with Printable Parts 55/1158L-2 —Pepper Choplin