English Choral Music
By Faith
By Faith, by Keith & Kristyn Getty and Stuart Townsend, is originally arranged by Michael Lawrence with a modified introduction.
Via Dolorosa
Via Dolorosa refers to the path that Jesus had taken, while carrying the cross, on the way to His crucifixion. This song was featured in the film, “The Passion of The Christ”, produced by Mel Gibson, which spoke of the sufferring that Jesus Christ endured in the final 12 hours before his death, also known as “the Passion” in the Catholic faith. During this past Easter, I asked Pastor Eunice Shangkuan Lim for her opinion to use Via Dolorosa for Good Friday of 2024. Pastor Eunice told me that this is one of her two favorite songs, the other being the Holy City. You can see the depth of her love for Christ and his ministry from the choice of her songs. As the way of the cross means sacrifice, this piece is fitting for Pastor Eunice who has dedicated all her life to the ministry. Congratulations Pastor Eunice on your ordination! This is long overdue. The Lord sees the heart and He knows that you are faithful to Him. From the depth of our hearts, CECL is very thankful and grateful to you for a service of close to 30 years.
This arrangement mimics the original orchestra performed in the film, The Passion of the Christ. This musical arrangement is dedicated to Pastor Eunice Shangkuan Lim.
Abbreviated version:
The Holy City
The Holy City is arranged based on the original voice and piano by Stephen Adams. The flute takes the melody to guide the singer. The three rings on the triangle before the song comes in mimic the Victorian era England where someone who wants to make an announcement would ring three bells. The snare drum is intended to make the second part more militaristic, whereas the role of the windchimes is to evoke a joyful and fantasy experience. The Glockenspiel echoes parts of the primary melody.
The Cross of Christ
This score is a supplemental score to include additional instruments that were not available in the original conductor’s score from the arrangement by Lloyd Larson and orchestration by Ed Hogan. The original score is available in this link.
Miraculous Night
This arrangement is a medley consisting of three songs: It came upon the midnight clear, Silent night, and O holy night. It was modified from the arrangement by Tom Fettke. A small ensemble of mixed instruments accompanies the choir.
O Holy Night
This arrangement is for a small ensemble of mixed instruments. It was modified from arrangements by A. McVicar and K. Kobayashi so that the piece starts softly then follows by a gradual build up in intensity until the end of the second stanza. A cadenza that reflects the herald of a coming king is represented by a strong trumpet sound and then ushers the finale in the third stanza. The intention for the cadenza is to create a festive atmosphere that is continued into the third stanza.
Mary Did You Know
This score is a re-arrangement of instruments and accompaniments not available in the original conductor’s score. This score added piano, organ, keyboards and percussion sections to complement the other instruments such as strings woodwind and brass instruments in the original score. The original score is available in this link.
