Calvary: SATB: Vocal Score

A jolly Christmas carol-This lively carol was commissioned in 2005 by Lichfield Cathedral Special Choir (now called the Cathedral Chorus) to celebrate the birth of Hannah Scriven and Holly Mason the daughters of the two cathedral organists at that time. The words were specially written by Tony Barnard the then Canon Chancellor at Lichfield and a member of the choir. This carol whilst not entirely foreign to my normal style touches more ‘country and western’/popular buttons than I am in the habit of touching. But I wanted to write a tuneful piece which swayed and danced and reflected the colourful imagery of Tony Barnard’s text. Recommended recording: Comeout Lazar – The shorter choral works of Paul Spicer (Regent REGCD280) by The Chapel Choir of Selwyn College Cambridge and Claire Innes-Hopkins (organ) directed by Sarah MacDonald. Text: This child of God who’s born on Christmas day whom shepherds view to whom kings homage pay is called to be a shepherd and a king. Sing alleluias praise this wondrous thing. This child of God is shepherd born to lead through pastures green by banks of golden reed; nor left nor right but ever on the way which leads to Calvary and endless day. This child of God this Son of David’s line is root of tree a shoot a fruitful vine it shelter gives to all who see the way which leads them to the cross and Easter day. This child of God this many spangled star is light’ning flash which dazzles near and far; bright light to guide our feet along the way that leads to Calvary and endless day. This child of God is called to save mankind to open eye and ear the heart and mind; to heal and make the lame man leap and play along the road that leads to Easter Day. This child of God let angel voices praise. Give God the glory live his loving ways. Let peace on earth o’er come our worldly strife through all who walk his road throughout their life. Tony Barnard

Uses: Holy Week Good Friday CommunionScripture: John 19:17Jesus' lonely walk to Calvary is described here – right up to the point where He ultimately finished His work alone. The quote “Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley ” provides a fitting ending for this meditative and reflective anthem of Calvary. Duration: ca. 3:20.

From the best-selling cantata The Rose of Calvary comes the grand finale available for the first time as an individual octavo. A rousing conclusion to any Easter or life-affirming worship event. This hymn montage joinsclassic hymns “I Know That My Redeemer Lives ” “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross ” and others to proclaim the risen Christ with unbounded joy. Brant Adams' orchestration is brilliant!

A Cantata for Passiontide-John Leavitt has created a cantata designed for Lent and Holy Week. Titles include: What Wondrous Love Is This Were You There Surely He Has Borne Our Griefs Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed and Jesus Died on Calvary'sMountain. Available separately: SATB ChoirTrax CD Chamnber Orchestra score and parts (fl 1/2 ob cl 1/2 bn perc 1 and 2 hp str:88442) Preview CD Preview Pak. Duration: ca. 30:00.

from The Rose of Calvary-Uses: Holy Week Maundy ThursdayScripture: Matthew 26:36-44The shadows of Gethsemane fall upon the Savior in this moving tableau taken from the celebrated cantata The Rose of Calvary. Thispivotal moment in the life of Christ is presented with impassioned poetic music and infused with an emotive harmonic language that frames the words: “Father let Thy will be done.” The final resolution as Jesus risesto do His Father's will is truly memorable.

Based on a well-known text this powerful testament of grace is rich with meaning and musical beauty. A winsome melody wafts like a folk tune against a flowing piano part carrying with tender care the truth of Calvary and the awesome thoughts of Christ's atonement. The restrained ending helps transition from the special music moment to the sermon or perhaps to function as a choral response to the message. Moving!

Because of Love will be spectacular anytime of the year and it can also serve well during the Easter season. Questioning why God would choose to leave the peace of heaven to come to earth to suffer and die at Calvary theanswer resounds over and over – because of love! J. Paul Williams has quoted John 3:16 which beautifully connects the text with scripture. Lanny Allen's lush vocal writing including soprano and tenor divisi supports themessage while the accompaniment supplies the basis for an outstanding choral presentation. Orchestration by Larry Mayfield is available or accompaniment may be supplied by keyboard.