Choral What a Friend SATB with congregation, piano and English horn | 3.5 min | Listen My task was simple– to select songs for a retreat on the topic of Jesus’ earthly emotional life. Early on, the beloved 1855 hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” seemed an obvious choice, though the music felt dated. Then during a walk, this more contemporary melody with a Celtic lilt arrived, and later called for the plaintive, yet serene sound of the English horn (or alto sax). This SATB version for choir and congregation includes interstitial choral bridges, connecting Joseph M. Scriven’s sweet and simple words to the biblical passages that inspired them. “Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16. “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words.” Romans 8:26 “The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand.” Revelation 8:4 What a friend we have in Jesus! All our sins and griefs to bear, What a privilege to carry ev’rything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry ev’rything to God in prayer. For He was tempted, He was tried; Bore our sins as He died. Can we find a friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our ev’ry weakness; Take it to the Lord in prayer. Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged; Take it to the Lord in prayer. God’s Spirit sighs with us as we cry! Our prayers as incense arise! What a friend we have in Jesus! All our sins and griefs to bear, What a privilege to carry ev’rything to God in prayer! Soon in glory bright, unclouded, There will be no need for prayer… Rapture, praise, and endless worship will be our sweet portion there. What a friend we have in Jesus.
Choral It is Well ~ Nimrod SATB, with cello, and piano | 5.5 min This piece was commissioned in memoriam by the family of Homero Capetillo, a wonderful gentleman and founding teacher in a Spanish-immersion school for 30 years. After considering several of his musical “favorites” I decided to weave Edward Elgar’s beloved “Nimrod” with Horatio Spafford’s treasured hymn, “It is Well with My Soul.” Spafford’s deep faith in the face of multiple personal losses inspired his poem of calm assurance, set to music by the hymnist Philip Bliss in 1875. Twenty-five years later, Edward Elgar wrote 14 variations on his “Enigma” theme, each one immortalizing a dear friend. “Nimrod” refers to the music editor Augustus J. Jaeger, whose name means “hunter” in German. Elgar playfully chose the biblical name “Nimrod, a mighty hunter before the Lord” for this friend’s variation. This sumptuous adagio movement commemorates an occasion when Elgar had been very depressed and was about to give it all up and write no more music. Jaeger visited him and encouraged him to continue composing. He referred to Ludwig van Beethoven, who had a lot of worries, but wrote more and more beautiful music. “And that is what you must do,” Jaeger said, and he sang the theme of the second movement of Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 8 Pathétique. Elgar disclosed that the opening bars of “Nimrod” were made to suggest that theme, saying, “Can’t you hear it at the beginning? Only a hint, not a quotation.” I found great pleasure in creating this lilting variation of a variation, born of layers of inspiration and encouragement, all in the service of the expression of a deep faith and appreciation for beauty shared by Homero Capetillo. When peace like a river attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll, Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say It is well, it is well with my soul. Esta bien con mi alma. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control: That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed his own blood for my soul! It is well, it is well with my soul. Esta bien con mi alma. And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll; The trumpet shall sound, and the Lord shall descend, Even so, it is well with my soul. It is well, it is well with my soul. Esta bien con mi alma.
Choral Faith, Hope, and Love Unison with cello and piano | 2.5 min | Listen These very significant words which conclude the famous “Love Chapter” (I Corinthians 13:13) are not easily conveyed. I wrote Faith, Hope, and Love to provide a simple understanding that, Faith is believing with God all is possible. Hope is just trusting His promises are true. And love is the greatest, Love is the greatest! God’s love lasts forever; He loves me and you. A simple melodic line contrasts with the rich, soul-stirring cello’s arching melody, supported by the piano’s strong arpeggiation. The warmth of cellist Ji Youn’s playing was simply perfect! Months after singing this in worship, one child from the choir told me a story. He and his mother had been visiting a friend who was having a hard time. While riding in the car with her, they spontaneously began to sing these words in an effort to bring her comfort. What a gift of faith, hope, and love.