The cross of Christ is not only a fact of history, it is also a symbol of God's saving grace, our spiritual poverty, the fulfillment of Old Testament law and the "One acquainted with grief", among other things. Pamela Martin's beautiful text and Craig Courtney's simple melody give us the opportunity to express the centrality of the cross in our lives as Christians. An optional text is also provided for use as a choral benediction.
The Cross
Updated
Anthem Information
Composer
Publisher
Voicing
Year Published
Ordering Information
Catalog No.
BP1526
Editor review
1 review
Gentle, unforgettable text and music
Overall rating
4.5
Choral Integrity
5.0
Textual Quality
5.0
Teachability
4.0
Audience Response
4.0
In teaching students to bring their best offerings to God, "The Cross" is a perfectly fitted choral tool for bringing out the best in your singers. Every phrase lends itself to learning on multiple levels. When the choir sings this anthem with finesse and beauty, each person singing will be moved and each person listening will blest.
This is a selection that is so powerful that it will be retained for a long, long time. In order to keep "The Cross" polished and ready to perform with your group, it needs to be refreshed from time to time, but the retention on this piece is as strong as on any other anthem we might list. The closer you approach perfection in the first season, the greater the retention in coming years.
This is a selection that is so powerful that it will be retained for a long, long time. In order to keep "The Cross" polished and ready to perform with your group, it needs to be refreshed from time to time, but the retention on this piece is as strong as on any other anthem we might list. The closer you approach perfection in the first season, the greater the retention in coming years.
The Bottom Line
Pros
Compelling text, beautiful choral lines, exquisite accompaniment
Cons
Just a reminder ... your accompanist will make or break this anthem.
RE
User reviews
1 review
Great text
Overall rating
3.8
Choral Integrity
3.0
Textual Quality
5.0
Teachability
3.0
Audience Response
4.0
I like this text. The choral parts are pretty, but were surprisingly difficult for both my adult and youth choirs due to slight differences in the repetitions.
The Bottom Line
Pros
Great text
CK
Clinton Kimmel
