The Temptation of Jesus
An Oratorio
Instrumentation: *2,*2,*2,2/2,2,3,0/T,1P,Hp/Chorus, Children’s Chorus, Bass-Baritone Solo/Stgs
Duration: 73 mins.
Commissioned by the Second Presbyterian Church of Richmond, Va., for the 150th anniversary of its founding, this work uses Biblical passages as its text, interspersed with poetry and prose from the celebrated writer and Trappist monk, Thomas Merton. The timeless story of the three temptations proves to have eerie significance for our own age, as it poses the central questions which must be faced by any who would be of service to others. Merton’s words are universal in their meaning; they are matched by music of dramatic strength as well as reflective lyricism. Premiered in November, 1995, by the Richmond Symphony, John Guthmiller, conducting, this work was recorded by Ara Carapetyan and the First Presbyterian Chancel Choir and the Houston Ballet Orchestra.
- “Temptation of Jesus engaging to ear; intellect.”
--- Richmond Times-Dispatch
- “…blends the introspective and vividly visual, moving from sophisticated musical effects to crowd-pleasing climaxes.…ingenious orchestral and choral effects…It rewards contemplation and provides entertainment, two functions a good oratorio should perform at the same time.”
---Clarke Bustard, Richmond Times-Dispatch
- “…The choir was obviously impressed by [Jones’] traditional, tonal style.”
---Charles Ward, Houston Chronicle
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