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Passion Music continues the fusion of jazz and choral music so successfully blended in Will Todd's Mass in Blue. The structure highlights different points in the Passion story, beginning with a new setting of 'Greater love has no man' and including an evocative Stabat Mater, a movement focusing on the seven last words of Christ, and a setting of 'Were you there when they crucified my Lord?'. While some sections are reflective, Todd also makes full use of his understanding of energetic jazz and gospel. The vocal soloist is given plenty of expressive freedom, singing both with the choir and independently to achieve the characteristic jazz-soul style. The seven-piece jazz accompaniment, which is presented in the vocal score as a piano reduction for rehearsal only, completes the ensemble.The full score and set of parts for the jazz accompaniment are available on sale and hire. A complete backing track and individual rehearsal tracks for the vocal parts are also available to download.
This work investigates the integration of jazz and gospel idioms into traditional choral structures to recontextualize the narrative of the Passion. Composer Will Todd utilizes his background in contemporary jazz and choral composition to bridge the gap between sacred vocal traditions and modern rhythmic sensibilities. The text provides a structured musical framework that balances reflective, somber movements with high-energy, improvisational sections designed for a vocal soloist and a seven-piece jazz ensemble.
What You Will Find
Musicians and choral directors frequently identify this work as a natural successor to Todd's earlier compositions in the jazz-choral fusion genre. Experts note that the score requires a high level of expressive freedom from the soloist to effectively execute the intended jazz-soul aesthetic.
Page Count:
120
Publication Date:
2018-10-25
Publisher:
Oxford University Press Music
ISBN-10:
0193523809
ISBN-13:
9780193523807
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