HYMNS ETC. - Cantatas
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IF THEY COULD SPEAK: A Journey through Holy Week Scored for Narrator, Four Readers, and SATB choir, with keyboard, suspended cymbals, tambourine, flute, cello, snare drum, and handbells. This is a cantata that helps participants and congregation relive the events of Holy Week, from Palm Sunday through Easter, through scripture, commentary, and song focused on the inanimate objects that have become symbolic of these events: The Gate, The Money Changers’ Coins, The Water Jar, The Table, The Olive Trees, The Rooster, The Basin of Water, The Crown of Thorns, and The Stone at the Tomb. An optional ending is provided for those who want to end the cantata at Good Friday, and use the Easter scripture and song on Easter morning. Any of the songs could be used individually as short anthems or responses to scripture. |
One church incorporated Holy Communion into the cantata when it was used on Maundy Thursday, and projected pictures and classical art of the various sites as they were mentioned. Another option would be to have appropriate symbols brought forward and placed on the worship center. Some of the songs and scriptures could also be choreographed for dancers.
First Congregational United Church of Christ in Rapid City, SD used our cantata, If They Could Speak, as the basis for the Maundy Thursday Communion Service in 2015.
If you are interested in a copy of If They Could Speak in a reproducible format with permission to perform, Mary still has a few copies available at $25. Contact her at marynkeithahn@gmail.com.
