Thesis (D.M.A.)--University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2007. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 68-07, Section: A, page: 2722. Adviser: John Walter Hill. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 187-193) Available on microfilm from Pro Quest Information and Learning.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Boston University / The Great Commission is a sacred cantata written for mixed chorus, soprano, messo soprano, tenor, and bass soloists, and symphony orchestra. The main text, St. Mark xvi. 15-18, determines the general plan. It is composed in six parts with a finale. Part I contains the command of Jesus, "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel." Parts II to VI are each made up of, (1) an introduction with the pronouncement of one of the signs which would follow, and, (2) a musical setting of a biblical text which is a fulfilment. Part I begins with a processional type introduction in g minor for full orchestra and marked Moderato maestoso. It is formed of irregular length phrases punctuated by short rests and introduces the entrance of the chorus, singing in unison, "Jesus came...and spoke", with the sopranos beginning on a high G. [TRUNCATED]

The Seven Last Words of Christ is a sacred cantata for SATB chorus with soloists accompanied by a woodwind quintet, brass quintet and three percussionists. The text employed in this work is based on the Gospel accounts of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in the King James Version of the of the Holy Bible. The cantata consists of seven movements with an instrumental introduction and postlude, and has a duration of approximately twenty-seven minutes. The majority of the movements are slow in tempo, reflecting the somber mood of the text. The major goal of this work is to musically represent the drama and prevailing mood present at an event of extreme magnitude and importance in the lives of Christians around the world, and to provide additional literature for special church services through the use of individual movements.