Stainer - The Crucifixion (score)
Arranged for soloists, choir and chamber ensemble
The Crucifixion by John Stainer is described as a 'Meditation on the Sacred Passion of the Holy Redeemer', and tells the story of the final days of Jesus's life, including his Seven Last Words from the Cross. Stainer composed the piece in 1887 for the choir of Marylebone Church in London. He wrote it for tenor and bass soloists, choir and organ, and it is designed to be within the capabilities of most church choirs. Stainer wanted to write a piece for Easter that followed the model of J.S. Bach's St Matthew Passion and St John Passion, but for smaller forces in a single hour-long piece. Like Bach's music, there is a mixture of choral music, solo arias, a duet and hymns for the whole congregation in the church to join in. This new arrangement of the organ part is for an instrumental ensemble of seven musicians: oboe, clarinet, and five string players. It attempts to breathe new life into the simple organ part, creating something more elaborate and detailed. The instrumental writing is highly expressive, giving greater urgency and emotional interest to the piece. This arrangement is for chamber orchestra and is the complete work unabridged.
Instrumentation: oboe, clarinet, violin 1, violin 2, viola, cello, double bass (strings can be single parts or a medium-sized section of around 4, 3, 3, 3, 1)