SATB choir, voice solo, piano accompaniment - Early intermediate SKU: GI.G-10552
Arranged by Christin Kieckhafer. Good Friday. Choral. Sacred. Octavo. 16 pages. GIA Publications #10552. Published by GIA Publications (GI.G-10552). English. Text Source: Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed?, Isaac Watts, 1674-1748, alt., At the Cross, Ralph E. Hudson, 1843-1901, alt. Text by Isaac Watts.
“At the Cross” contains the very rich texts of Isaac Watts and Ralph Hudson. My desire is to treat each verse with utmost respect by highlighting—through music—the suffering, shame, hope, beauty, and glory of the cross. The cross embodies all of these attributes. You will notice there is a somberness that begins at m. 84, mirroring the darkness that ensued while Christ hung on the cross (Mark 15:33). A “darker” sound from the altos is encouraged. This is the turning point in the song, preparing the singers for the response to such a sacrifice. Although the text speaks of grief and debt (starting at m. 93), one can see the hope that builds, with the realization that complete surrender is the only response to such a sacrifice. Much thought and energy (under control) should be expended to aid this verse in building to the climactic point of the song, when hope is found in the cross and the burden has been lifted.
