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The day we now call "Good Friday" dawned as did any other day. However,
the events that took place between the hours of 9:00 that morning and 3:00 in
the afternoon have proven to have had a monumental impact on all of
humankind, making it one of the most significant days in all of history. As
Jesus Christ allowed Himself to suffer and die upon a cross of shame, He
displayed an unparalleled love for a world lost in sin.
In The Final Hours, we are led, through music and the spoken word, to reflect
upon those six hours that Jesus hung, suffering on the cross. We find ourselves
picturing that scene at Calvary as we symbolically join Jesus' followers, who
stood, grief-stricken, at the foot of the cross. We hear the seven phrases that
He spoke as He hung there, dying the most agonizing death. Finally, we hear
the words that have continued to ring throughout the ages since that Friday
afternoon so long ago: "Surely, this man was the Son of God."
It is our sincere prayer that your faith may be strengthened and renewed
through this musical narrative of our Savior's matchless love and grace!
Lee Dengler
Susan Naus Dengler
The Final Hours may be presented in a variety of ways. Here are some
suggestions for its use:
It may be presented in its entirety, as part of a worship service or a
sacred concert.
It may be extended to create a larger work by inserting congregational
hymns at various points throughout the narrations.
Each of the three choral pieces may be presented separately.
The chiming that takes place to mark the hours of 9:00 a.m., 12:00 noon
and 3:00 p.m. may be played by a handbell or orchestral chime. (Note
that, in either case, the 12 chimes (marking the noon hour) occur during
the opening section of the second choral piece, "The Darkest Hours.")
If the narration is used, it is suggested that there would be two readers.
Instrumental parts for flute, cello, and chimes are available as a free
download. The Final Hours may be performed with or without these
instruments.
FOREWORD
PERFORMANCE NOTES
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