Lent/Easter Musicals

55/1183&84L-3 3 P E R F O R M A N C E N O T E S F R O M T H E C O M P O S E R Christ's journey to the cross is filled with images that serve as vivid reminders of His sacrificial love for us. ese images are the centerpiece of Come to the Cross and Remember. During the cantata's performance, symbols of these images are brought forth to create a tableau. ere are two main options for tableau staging: 1) Mount a cross about five feet tall to the left of the choir (stage right). At the center of the cross, place a small nail on which to hang a crown of thorns. Also drill holes on the cross at the traditional position of the hands and feet for the placement of nails. 2) For a simpler option, at center stage place an altar table on which a small "tabletop" cross rests. During the performance, place all symbols in a graceful manner around the tabletop cross. One or more individuals will bring each symbol forward during the interlude songs, whose tempos are ideal to stepping naturally on the beat. ese individuals should dress in a discreet robe or black apparel. ey should hold the objects in both hands approximately shoulder high in order to focus attention on the objects. NOTE: It is very important for this process to be well-prepared during the choir's final rehearsal/s. e symbols may be placed in this sequence as follows: • e Palms – Place them at the foot of the cross at the beginning of 2. e Messiah Has Come. A sturdy vase could hold some branches in front of the cross's center beam, or a small cup or clasp could be mounted on the lower cross for the insertion of branch stems. NOTE: For performances on Palm Sunday, you may wish to open the service with a procession of palm branches. In these instances, save a few palms to lay before the cross at the beginning of 2. e Messiah Has Come. • e Bread and the Cup – Place them on a small table at the center of the cross at the beginning of 3. Bring the Cup and the Bread. • Flowers – Place them in front of the "bread table" at the beginning of 5. Go to Dark Gethsemane. • irty Silver Coins – At the beginning of 6. Bring the irty Silver Coins, carry the coins in a netted bag or small basket and strew or fan them at the foot of the cross or the "bread table." You also may choose to bring a torch and/or a sword and lean them against the cross/table. • e Robe and the Crown – During 8. Bring the Robe and the Crown, drape the cloth over the crossbeam in a traditional manner; then, hang the crown of thorns on a small nail just above the cross center. • e Nails – At the beginning of 10. O Sacred Hands Now Wounded, bring three large nails or railroad spikes and place them into holes that have been pre-drilled in the position of hands and feet. • e Shroud – At the beginning of 12. Hold the Shroud in Your Hands, drape a shroud on the cross. Because of my experience as a church choir director, I always design my cantatas for performance by choirs both large and small. is worship experience is approximately 35 minutes long and includes narration for one or more speakers, and optional duet and solo. Pages for optional congregational singing are available as a free download. Visit www.lorenz.com and search for 55/1183L. is cantata may be performed with piano accompaniment or Michael Lawrence's captivating full orchestration. -Pepper Choplin For Preview Only

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