Title: Prolegomenon

Genre: Choral

Instrumentation: SSAAT(solo)B, handbells (43, G3-G7), handchimes (31, C4-C7), organ

Text: St. John 1:1-5 (King James)

Language: English

Duration: ca 5'

Description: The King James Bible stands as one of the greatest masterpieces of English writing. Its elegant language reaches one of its highest points in the prologue (prolegomenon) of the Gospel according to St. John. These five mystical verses strike all readers powerfully regardless of any religious persuasion. This setting attempts to capture the grandeur and mystery of this text from the opening quiet pedal point under shifting major-minor non-functional triads to the breathless C-major final chord with its questioning B-flat organ points. The choral writing is accessible by moderately well-equipped amateur church choirs. The small tenor solos can be taken by the entire section. The bell writing, while not terribly difficult, requires a good deal of switching between bells and chimes. A larger number of players simplifies the performance. Not every bell and chime in the ranges indicated is used as the numbers make obvious.

Items: The product download includes one full score, one bell/chime part with bell key, one choral score, one organ score, and one copy authorization notice. If hardcopies are ordered, the same five items will be provided. The copy authorization notice provides permission to make up to 12 copies of the bell part and up to 25 copies of the choral score. PLEASE DO NOT EXCEED THESE COPY LIMITS. If you need more copies, please order multiples of the product. PDF files are formatted for 8½x11 in multiples of four pages with blank pages embedded as needed making the documents suitable for booklet printing on 11x17.