Lent/Easter Musicals

Canticle of the Cross by Joseph M. Martin

Christmas Musicals for Church

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76 PROGRAM NOTES This service of song is intended to follow the path of the cross from the Triumphal Entry to the Crucifixion. The cantata, based on Celtic folksongs and Celtic-styled original songs, is designed to bring a consistent musical and artistic vernacular to the worship event. Some directors may want to utilize extra-musical elements to enhance their presentation of Canticle of the Cross. Feel free to either incorporate your own creative ideas or adapt some from the suggestions listed below. O On nl lyy To incorporate an extra-musical element into the presentation, have your choir process behind a simple cross during the playing of the "Prologue." Place the cross upon the altar as the choir takes its place. As the narrative unfolds, the altar can be adorned progressively with symbols to represent Christ's passion. These symbols can be added at the close of each respective narration, and should be completed as the introduction of the appropriate song is beginning. vi ew Candles may also be incorporated to show the progression of the passion. Prearrange 6 candles upon the altar leaving room for the placement of the cross. (The candles may also be free standing for a more dramatic presentation.) Light the candles during the "Prologue," during the first anthem, or before the service begins. Before each anthem, ceremoniously extinguish one candle until they all have been snuffed out, symbolizing the moment of Christ's death. The use of candles may be used with or without the use of symbols. Below are some possible symbols to incorporate. (Feel free to substitute, based upon your own traditions.) re "The Song of the Cross" — No adornment; however if candles are used they can be brought in and lit during this first anthem. Pr P "A Celtic Hosanna" (Palm Sunday) — a purple cloth for the base of the cross and/or palm fronds may be placed in a vase. orr "Come to the Upper Room" (Last Supper) — a chalice and a loaf of bread may be brought to the altar. Fo F "The Garden of Tears" (Gethsemane) — Red rose petals may be scattered upon the altar to represent Christ's shedding of "sweat drops as blood" in the garden. "The Carpenter" (Ministry and Humility of Christ) — Large spikes and a wooden mallet or rustic hammer may be brought to the altar. "A Tree Once Stood" (Crucifixion) — A black cloth may be draped over the cross. "Consolation of the Cross" — Towards the end of this song remove the black cloth and fold it. Take the cross, then walk slowly from the sanctuary as the "Epilogue" is played. The folded black cloth follows, carried reverently as in a funeral procession. Then follow with each of the now extinguished candles, the narrator and then the choir. The congregation then exits in silence as the "Epilogue" is repeated until all congregants have left the building. If available, a lone bagpiper may stand at a distance and play the "Epilogue" as worshippers either reflect in silence, or as they depart. Much grace... Joseph M. Martin CANTICLE OF THE CROSS - SATB

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