The Beatitudes

Matthew 5: 3-11-This extended work by British composer Patrick Hawes uses the eight verses of St. Matthew's Gospel that form the beloved Beatitudes. Consisting of eight movements that range from uncomplicated to militaristic in nature Beatitudes explores the character of each verse through melody texture and style. The piano weaves throughout an integral part of the soundworld and the drama.

Arvo Pärt's The Beatitudes – Seligpreisung composed for mixed Choir (SATB) and Organ. The Beatitudes for mixed Choir and Organ is Arvo Pärt's musical interpretation of the blessings a well-known part of the Sermon on the Mount (in the Gospel according to Matthew 5 3-12).

The Beatitudes is a cantata by Arthur Bliss scored for Soprano and Tenor soloists SATB Chorus and Orchestra. This is the full score a full performance of which lasts around 50 minutes. The work was commissioned by the Coventry Cathedral Festival for the opening of the new cathedral in 1962. It was first performed on 25th May 1962 by Jennifer Vyvyan and Richard Lewis with the Coventry Cathedral Festival Choir and the BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by the composer at the Belgrade Theatre Coventry.

For Nine Male Voices And Orchestra-Luminous Body is a collaboration between Nico Muhly and Craig Lucas written in the period immediately following their narratively charged opera 'Two Boys'. Luminous Body is as a result abstract and poetic in gesture and form. The text interpolates among other things stylized versions of the teachings of Christ Buddha Mohammed and Plato; these are scrambled and re-contextualized and in a sense serve as background for the textures of the combination of nine male Voices and Orchestra.Part 1 introduces the chord structure that governs the entire piece and ends with the repeated words ?only your will is your own.?The second and third parts loosely dealing with the Devil and the importance of choosing one?s words are based on drones generated by the Voices and the strings; the constant (but slightly morphing) texture is meant to be meditative and vague. Muhly always wanted to set the Beatitudes and Craig paraphrased them beautifully here; the tenors intone the word ?blessed? over and over while the strings and winds reiterate the passacaglia from the opening of the piece. The fifth and final part is a series of proverbs. The Orchestra begins in a series of loose ecstatic drones which increase in intensity (?Make your own family!?) until you jump suddenly to the garden of Gethsemane where Christ was betrayed while his disciples slept. ?Why are you sleeping? Couldn?t you stay awake for one more hour?? he asks while the strings and winds lazily chant in the background.Luminous Body was premiered by The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and Cantus.

Uses: General Scripture: Psalm 84:4-5 - Matthew 5:1-12 The Beatitudes receive special attention in this thoughtful treatment. The text frames this powerful Scripture in a contemporary context and creates a sermon in song that will be meaningful for many. Sensitive melodic contours and well-crafted harmonic moments help bring the message of Jesus to life with new purpose. Artistry and ministry mingle in this outstanding offering of song.

Sweelinck's setting of the Beatitudes is suitable for any Saint's day or the commemoration of the faithful departed. For the words 'Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake' Sweelinck used a powerful chain of suspensions over a rising bass.

Uses: General Scripture: Psalm 37:11 Matthew 5:1-12 Luke 6:20 Full of words of encouragement for the people of God this piece beautifully captures the spirit of the Beatitudes in its message. A series of divine promises warms the anthem with the glow of assurance and this affirmation is held tenderly by a graceful melodic theme and engaging harmonies. Moving!