Forces or Category: Female gospel soloist, SATB & jazz ensemble
Orchestration: pno, bass, drum kit, sax (sop/alto - 1 player), tpt, tbn, timp/perc
40-minute work, highlighting different points in the Passion story
Continues the fusion of jazz and choral music so successfully blended in Todd's Mass in Blue
Plenty of expressive freedom for the female gospel soloist, who sings both with the choir and independently
Seven-part jazz accompaniment, presented as a piano reduction (for rehearsal only) in the vocal score
Passion Music continues the fusion of jazz and choral music so successfully blended in Will Todd's Mass in Blue. The structure highlights different points in the Passion story, beginning with a new setting of 'Greater love has no man' and including an evocative Stabat Mater, a movement focusing on the seven last words of Christ, and a setting of 'Were you there when they crucified my Lord?'. While some sections are reflective, Todd also makes full use of his understanding of energetic jazz and gospel. The vocal soloist is given plenty of expressive freedom, singing both with the choir and independently to achieve the characteristic jazz-soul style. The seven-piece jazz accompaniment, which is presented in the vocal score as a piano reduction for rehearsal only, completes the ensemble.
The full score and set of parts for the jazz accompaniment are available on sale
1 Greater love has no man
2 I give you a new commandment
3 There is a green hill far away
4 My song is love unknown
5 Stabat Mater
6 Seven last words
7 My love has died for me
8 Do not stand at my grave and weep
9 Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Suitable For: Easter , Palm Sunday , Maundy Thursday , Lent , Good Friday