When I Survey the Wondrous Cross is currently unavailable

About this arrangement

Choral Choir (SATB) - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.976711 Composed by Isaac Watts / Lowell Mason. Arranged by Robert Myers. Christian,Easter,Sacred. Octavo. 31 pages. WheatMyer Music #4775085. Published by WheatMyer Music (A0.976711). When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, written by the Father of English Hymnody, Isaac Watts, in 1707 and later matched with Lowell Mason’s 1824 tune, HAMBURG, has long stood at the forefront of English hymnody.This arrangement, taken from my Passion Week cantata, Wounded, Bleeding, Still Proceeding, allows the full talent-spectrum of the Body of Christ to contemplate His sacrifice and offer their devotion.The first two stanzas feature an alto/soprano duet, set in a minor key with frequent diminished and augmented chords to reflect the despair and loss of a witness to the crucifixion. The entire third stanza, set for SATB chorus, never really moves off the F minor tonic until the end. That, and the relentless pounding of the bass line, ponders the witnesses anguish and our vicarious experience of it through Scripture. So, sing these stanzas sadly – they are sad! When the choir enters, be sure to observe the swelling crescendos/diminuendos as the sorrow and love mingle together.The fourth stanza offers optional congregational participation and may be used to provide a responsorial to the Word of God or a preparation for the Table. The choir sings this stanza in four part harmony as the congregation joins on the melody. It stays in a major key and closely follows the traditional consonances used in Lowell Mason’s harmonization; thus, the choral parts will feel familiar and the congregational melody will flow naturally. Take the text literally ("Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.") and sing it firmly, enthusiastically, passionately, but never triumphantly. Sing it as a song of personal devotion to commit all that you have, all that you are, and all that you will ever be, to the one who "humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" (Phil 2:8b) "so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Cor 5:21)The music is well within the grasp of any ensemble competent with traditional SATB anthems. The piano/organ accompaniments are straightforward yet very colorful. "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" is an unapologetic Christian worship anthem suitable for sacred services, yet does not compromise on artistic expression.The parts provided in this version include a full score, a piano-vocal octavo (which may be performed alone), and organ and timpani/percussion parts. Neither organ or timpani are required but adding either or both provides a deep and rich experience. Parts for reduced orchestra (strings and single winds) are available separately.Find more music and news at wheatmyermusic.com/ and www.facebook.com/WheatMyerMusic.Robert MyersS.D.G. This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard’s global self-publishing community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. ArrangeMe allows for the publication of unique arrangements of both popular titles and original compositions from a wide variety of voices and backgrounds. About Digital Downloads Digital Downloads are downloadable sheet music files that can be viewed directly on your computer, tablet or mobile device. Once you download your digital sheet music, you can view and print it at home, school, or anywhere you want to make music, and you don’t have to be connected to the internet. Just purchase, download and play! PLEASE NOTE: Your Digital Download will have a watermark at the bottom of each page that will include your name, purchase date and number of copies purchased. You are only authorized to print the number of copies that you have purchased. You may not digitally distribute or print more copies than purchased for use (i.e., you may not print or digitally distribute individual copies to friends or students).