Text: Matthew 17: 1-5 
Language: English 
Use: Spiritual 
Ensemble: SATB, SATBsoli 
Accompaniment: Organ 
Genre: Spiritual 
Duration: 5.0 minutes 
Page Count: 11 
Catalog Number: NWC-144

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Sample Score

The Transfiguration was composed for the Choir of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, New York City, Frederick Grimes, Director. Composed for SATB choir and organ, with some transitory solo lines and one baritone solo for the apostle Peter. The music is set like a dramatic scene, with elements of recitative, chant, opera aria, and sprechstimme. The organ provides descriptive commentary illustrating the text with various effects, building to full organ depicting the overwhelming light and presence of God. The narrative is presented mostly as a single line moving from one soloist to another, with some dramatic high notes and arresting intervals for the sopranos, and with the mostly unison choral part coming later in the piece. In addition to use as an anthem, it has been employed effectively presented as the scripture reading for Transfiguration Sunday. Most unusual and highly effective! 

Text: 
And after six days Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain apart, 
and He was transfigured before them, and His garments became as white as light, and His face shone like the sun. 
And behold, there appeared to Him Moses and Elijah, talking with Him. And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we here. If you wish, I will build three tabernacles here; one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 
He was still speaking, when lo, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son,  with whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.” 

Matthew 17:1-5