Were You There?

Readings from Luke's Passion Gospel are interspersed with choral settings of hymns and spirituals, and the extinguishing of candles. The choral arrangements are not difficult and provide compelling commentaries on Jesus' suffering and death and on the human condition. In the composer's words, "The songs carry the theme of overcoming suffering in order to go home. African-American spirituals are powerful testimony to a faith that can sustain hope in the face of suffering that will never end until the everlasting home is reached."

This edition includes the complete order of service and the octavos which comprise the musical part of the liturgy. Choral settings are for SATB choir, soloists, and piano. Also included on this CD is Giomo's Vespers: A Service for Evening Prayer, which is useful for parishes that hold midweek Lenten worship services.