Easter special: Kampala singers perform stainer's crucifixion
Apr 08, 2014
In a run up to the passion, death and triumphant resurrection of Jesus Christ, Kampala Singers have set the tone for the imminent passion and Easter celebrations with a music concert.
By Stephen Ssenkaaba
In a run up to the passion, death and triumphant resurrection of Jesus Christ, Kampala Singers have set the tone for the imminent passion and Easter celebrations with a music concert.
In an exciting show held at Namirembe Cathedral’s Bishop Nsubuga memorial Synod Hall over the weekend, the professional choral singers from different denominations called upon the public to reflect on the painful journey of our lord to his death.
The choir of about 50 members performed a musical work entitled “The Crucifixion” by English composer John Stainer (6 June 1840 – 31 March 1901) as its centerpiece.
According to the performance Catalogue, the Crucifixion is a musical composition performed by a choir and soloists which meditates on the sacred passion of Jesus Christ.
The composition accompanied by an organ comprises 20 movements (parts) sung alternately by the choir and soloists.
It is a musical narration that begins with Jesus’s moments of agony in the Garden of Gethsemane through his humiliating torture right up to his death on the cross when he declares his mission accomplished.
true
“It is finished! Father, Into Thy hands I commend My Spirit.” And he bowed His Head, and gave up the ghost” go the last lines of a sublime, contemplative work to the dimming choral voices and the dying sound of the organ.
This marked the first part of the concert
The second part comprised some anthems, hymns such as the “O Sacrum Convivium” (O sacred Feast) as well as Christian inspired Negro spirituals.
The choir was conducted by accomplished classical musician, Kigundu Musoke, accompanied by renowned pianist Paul Luggya and soloists Louis Sekyewa (Tenor), Francis Mutesasira(Bass) and Ben Esau Katumba(Bass).
Calls were made out for the congregation to support Kampala Singers who stage such performances especially during the Easter and Christmas seasons.