A Service of Darkness

SKU: LO.99-2809L

UPC: 000308126846.

In Calvary's Shadow is a deeply moving service of penitence and forgiveness. With elegant simplicity, it invites the faithful to experience Jesus' journey from betrayal through crucifixion with a tightly woven tapestry of dramatic scripture readings, vocal solos and congregational singing, and arrangements of spirituals and gospel hymns, as well as newly composed music by celebrated composer Victor Johnson. Central to both the title and the liturgy is the ritual extinguishing of seven candles, leaving the church in total darkness except for the Christ Candle. After a period of quiet meditation while sitting in Calvary's shadow, God's people exit the church in silence. Approximately 30 minutes long, this dramatic Tenebrae service is perfect for incorporation into regular Holy Week worship. Quickly and easily prepared, it can be performed with or without simple staging and costumes, and the readings can be performed by one reader or by up to five readers.

SKU: WD.080689053085

UPC: 080689053085.

David Hamilton's dramatic melody and Deborah Craig-Claar's poetic lyrics paint a powerful portrait of the final hours of Christ's earthly life, making Day of Darkness a moving addition to any Good Friday or Tenebrae service.

SKU: XC.HRMG1835

UPC: 785147105855. English. Fiona Macleod Rabindranath Tagore John Donne Virgil Vahcel Lindsey Text Source: Elizabeth Frye. Scripture: Psalm 23, John 1 :13, Isaiah 60:1, Revelation 21:1, Isaiah :7.

Designed to be accessible for the choir looking to prepare a larger work within the constraints of limited rehearsal time, this work provides conservative ranges and straightforward rhythms that allow time to craft a more artistic performance. Cast in eight movements, this major work draws on texts that examine the many facets of death, the pain of transitions, and the hope and joy of a better place. The work is scored for choir, organ or piano, and optional string orchestra. Each of the movements is available separately; the work as a whole or as individual parts is recommended for concert or liturgical service use. Movements: 1. Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep; 2. I Seek a Faith; 3. The Lord Is My Shepherd; 4. A Light Shines in the Darkness; 5. Death Shall Be No More; 6. I Saw a New Heaven; 7. Love Conquers All; 8. Gaelic Blessing (Deep Peace).

SKU: JU.00-48620

ISBN 9781470643614. UPC: 038081556376. English.

The many moods of Holy Week are artfully and masterfully depicted through this moving work. Using a fresh approach to tell the ancient story with reverence and awe, this cantata brings the message of Christ's sacrifice anew while challenging singer and listener alike to reflection and renewal. Performance suggestions are included, offering the option to utilize the work as a Tenebrae service if desired. Optional PowerPoint images are available to enhance the visual impact of the presentation. 20 minutes.

SKU: LO.99-3451L

UPC: 000308144574.

This beautiful meditation on the birth of Christ contains hushed moments of awe and grand alleluias of celebration. Faye López’s glowing arrangement of Patricia Mock’s original song makes a perfect addition to any Christmas service.

SKU: BP.HB475

3-5 octave handbell choir, optional 3-5 octaves of handchimes and optional B-flat 2, level 2. Arranged by Jason Krug. Delicate malleted bells and handchimes bookend this arrangement suitable for any time during the Lenten season, or for a special Good Friday service. From a solemn, reflective opening through a powerful statement of the well-known hymn and back once more to a delicate, prayerful ending, listeners get to contemplate all aspects of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. Available in compatible 2-3 and 3-5 octave versions, this selection can be performed by groups large and small, or even by multiple ensembles together.

SKU: CF.CAS117

ISBN 9781491153291. UPC: 680160910793. 9 x 12 inches. Key: A major.

Abendstern, composed by Lauren Bernofsky,?evokes an image of a sunset over the tree-covered hills of the Bavarian countryside with the Abendstern, or evening star, shining brightly over the scene. A hauntingly beautiful theme in falling thirds?evokes the treetops as they become darker and murkier. This piece is a wonderful addition to any concert program and can be used as a touching?tribute at a memorial service.
One summer night during a visit to Bavaria in southern Germany, I stood outside on a balcony overlooking the hills of the Bavarian forest, watching the beautiful early-evening sky. It was still light out, but I could make out one solitary star in the sky. As the sun slowly went down, the landscape became more and more dark and indistinct, and the star shone brighter and brighter. My mother-in-law stood there with me. I asked her the name of the star, and she answered, Abendstern (or Evening Star.) I was so moved by what I saw, I went inside and took out my manuscript paper and started to write down this piece. The tree-covered hills and tranquility of the evening are evoked by the theme, whose contour (with little bumps) mirrors the contour of the treetops on the hills. The star is represented by the sustained note E; at the beginning of the piece, it can be heard in a low register in the violas, and over the course of the piece, it is heard in higher and higher octaves, as the star shines ever more brightly. By the end, the landscape has disappeared into the darkness, and now all we see is the star, shining its brightest, and played by the upper strings, now harmonized to convey its brilliant light..
One summer night during a visit to Bavaria in southern Germany, I stood outside on a balcony overlooking the hills of the Bavarian forest, watching the beautiful early-evening sky. It was still light out, but I could make out one solitary star in the sky. As the sun slowly went down, the landscape became more and more dark and indistinct, and the star shone brighter and brighter. My mother-in-law stood there with me. I asked her the name of the star, and she answered, Abendstern (or Evening Star.) I was so moved by what I saw, I went inside and took out my manuscript paper and started to write down this piece. The tree-covered hills and tranquility of the evening are evoked by the theme, whose contour (with little bumps) mirrors the contour of the treetops on the hills. The star is represented by the sustained note E; at the beginning of the piece, it can be heard in a low register in the violas, and over the course of the piece, it is heard in higher and higher octaves, as the star shines ever more brightly. By the end, the landscape has disappeared into the darkness, and now all we see is the star, shining its brightest, and played by the upper strings, now harmonized to convey its brilliant light..
One summer night during a visit to Bavaria in southern Germany, I stood outside on a balcony overlooking the hills of the Bavarian forest, watching the beautiful early-evening sky. It was still light out, but I could make out one solitary star in the sky. As the sun slowly went down, the landscape became more and more dark and indistinct, and the star shone brighter and brighter. My mother-in-law stood there with me. I asked her the name of the star, and she answered, Abendstern (or Evening Star.) I was so moved by what I saw, I went inside and took out my manuscript paper and started to write down this piece. The tree-covered hills and tranquility of the evening are evoked by the theme, whose contour (with little bumps) mirrors the contour of the treetops on the hills. The star is represented by the sustained note E; at the beginning of the piece, it can be heard in a low register in the violas, and over the course of the piece, it is heard in higher and higher octaves, as the star shines ever more brightly. By the end, the landscape has disappeared into the darkness, and now all we see is the star, shining its brightest, and played by the upper strings, now harmonized to convey its brilliant light.

About Carl Fischer Concert String Orchestra Series

This series of pieces (Grade 3 and higher) is designed for advancing ensembles. The pieces in this series are characterized by:

• Expanded use of rhythms, ranges and keys but technical demands are still carefully considered
• More comprehensive bowing techniques
• Viola T.C. included
• Careful selection of keys and degree of difficulty for advancing musicians