NO MORE FEAR OF DYING – THE EASTER ORATORIO

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The Resurrection of Christ is an absolutely thrilling story and the crux of the Christian faith. No More Fear of Dying is ideally suited for church choir ministry. 18 songs for SATB chorus and soloists vividly portray the Biblical account of Christ’s final days on earth – the Passion Week. Understanding the challenges and limitations faced by church choirs, Larry has written several songs which can be used in other contexts. Come to the Upper Room – for example – works well with any communion service or mass.

 

The choir pictured in the banner above was a non-auditioned come-one-come-all church choir with singers ranging in age from 14 to 72. Several parents were singing with their children. Please watch the performance – videos below. (from Easter Sunday – April 12, 1998)

No More Fear of Dying is 55 minutes long. Genres include cappella liturgical, bossa nova, blues/jazz, gospel and rock – music written to fit the Biblical text (which ranges from sorrowful – to declamatory, angry and sarcastic – to comforting and joyful). Sweet spot vocal registers and intuitive voice leading make the music really approachable. There are many dramatic possibilities in this music and choirs are encouraged to use their imagination and make adaptations. Although the Oratorio works well with piano accompaniment alone, Larry has scored parts for bass guitar and percussion. During 2020 Larry will be rewriting his Easter Oratorio for a new premiere in 2021 – with orchestral instruments.

1) We Want to Know Christ

by Larry Nickel

SATB with piano and optional instrumentsCP 1672 – duration 3:20 (available now)
We Want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection! 
watch the video of the premiere in 1998 here  

2) What is the Lovely Fragrance?

by Larry Nickel

SATB with piano and optional instruments – duration 3:05
Christ experiences a profound act of kindness before entering the city.
sheet music available upon request

3) Hosanna!

by Larry Nickel

SATB with piano and optional instrumentsCP 1761 – duration 2:45 (available now)
Jesus enters the city riding a donkey. “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, people of Jerusalem”.  
watch the video of the premiere in 1998 here

4) Jerusalem

by Larry Nickel

SATB with piano and optional instruments – duration 3:10
Jesus looked out over the city and contemplates the task ahead.
sheet music available upon request

5) Jesus Drove the Merchants From the Table

by Larry Nickel

SATB with piano and optional instruments – duration 2:55
One of the few recorded instances of Christ’s anger.
sheet music available upon request

6) Blood Money

by Larry Nickel

SATB with piano and optional instruments – duration 2:45
The betrayal of Christ – for 30 pieces of silver.
sheet music available upon request

7) Come to the Upper Room

by Larry Nickel

SATB a cappellaCP 1671 – duration 3:20 (available now)
Come to the upper room – be seated at His table.
watch the video of the premiere in 1998 here

8) I Am Not Worthy, Lord

by Larry Nickel

SATB with piano and optional instruments – duration 3:00
Jesus washes the feet of His disciples.
sheet music available upon request

9) Before the Rooster Crows

by Larry Nickel

SATB with piano and optional instruments – duration 3:00
sheet music available upon request

10) Gethsemane

by Larry Nickel

SATB with piano and optional instruments – duration 2:25
sheet music available upon request

11) Twelve Thousand Angels

by Larry Nickel

SATB with piano and optional instruments – duration 3:05
“Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?”
sheet music available upon request

12) Behold the Lamb

by Larry Nickel

SATB with piano and optional instrumentsCP 1670 – duration 3:20 (available now)
The trial of Christ was so unfair and brutal – absolutely heart-breaking. 
watch the video of the premiere in 1998 here

13) The Denial

by Larry Nickel

SATB with piano and optional instruments – duration 3:25
sheet music available upon request

14) Crucifixus

by Larry Nickel

SATB with piano and optional instruments – duration 6:10
sheet music available upon request

15) Wracked With Pain

by Larry Nickel

SATB with piano and optional instruments – duration 3:05
It’s hard to imagine the agony Christ suffered. “Father forgive them for they know not what they do”.
sheet music available upon request

16) Surely, This Was the Son of God

by Larry Nickel

SATB with piano and optional instruments – duration 3:25
sheet music available upon request

17) We All Like Sheep Have Gone Astray

by Larry Nickel

SATB with piano and optional instrumentsCP 1142 – duration 3:20 (available now)
“each of us has turned to his own way and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” 
watch the video of the premiere in 1998 here

18) No More Fear of Dying (Finale)

by Larry Nickel

SATB with piano and optional instrumentsCP 1142 – duration 3:20 (available now)
The signature composition from the Cantata by the same name – ideal for the Lent and Easter calendar. Actually, since the resurrection is central to Christianity, this song resonates any time of year!
watch the video of the premiere in 1998 here