Holy Week Suite for Solo Trumpet

Matthew Owens' St Matthew Passion for soloists SATB and Organ. Written for the Choir of Wells Cathedral of which Matthew Owens is Organist and Master of the Choristers this setting of the St Matthew Passion is ideally suited to liturgical performance during Holy Week. The principal role of the Evangelist is taken by a baritone soloist who narrates the story of Christ's trial and Crucifixion in unaccompanied chant. The other smaller solo roles of Judas (Tenor) Pilate (Tenor) Jesus (Bass) and Pilate's wife (Alto) continue in the same vein with four-part choral interspersions from the crowds soldiers and priests providing acontrast in texture. The hymn 'When I survey the wondrous cross' set to the Rockingham hymn tune appears twice throughout the work and the congregation are encouraged to join in on both occasions. The simple organ part supports the voices for the hymn and may also optionally double the choir during the narrative.

SATB-The musical is narrated by Luke as he writes of Jesus's last days on earth. Highly effective when presented by choir and narrator but naturally suited for full staging. It may be performed in its entirety or in segments atseveral services. The words and music of this Pepper Choplin cantata are very dynamic and will immerse the audience in the passion and intensity of the major events of Holy Week. As the character of Luke is deeply touched by thestory he is recording the choir and soloists assume his role in the drama. Once Upon a Tree was written for Pepper's own church Greystone Baptist Church in Raleigh North Carolina. The choir rehearsed the musical as itwas being written and played a special role as the work was formed and perfected. A profoundly moving experience for choirs and congregations.

Orchestration-The musical is narrated by Luke as he writes of Jesus's last days on earth. Highly effective when presented by choir and narrator but naturally suited for full staging. It may be performed in its entirety or in segments atseveral services. The words and music of this new Pepper Choplin cantata are very dynamic and will immerse the audience in the passion and intensity of the major events of Holy Week. As the character of Luke is deeply touched bythe story he is recording the choir and soloists assume his role in the drama. Once Upon a Tree was written for Pepper's own church Greystone Baptist Church in Raleigh North Carolina. The choir rehearsed the musical asit was being written and played a special role as the work was formed and perfected. It will be a profoundly moving experience for choirs and congregations.