GREAT IS THE MYSTERY (SATB) – 1 Timothy 3:16 4-Part - Digital Sheet Music

SKU: A0.926658

Commissioned by Our Savior Lutheran Church, Westminster, MA for ASCENSION 2017, this SATB chorale is set to the powerful text given to us by the Apostle Paul in 1 Tim 3:16.

"Great indeed, we now confess, is the mystery of godliness: 
He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, 
seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, 
believed on in the world, taken up in glory."

"The Lutheran Formula of Concord, Article VIII says that, 'Christ is and remains to all eternity God and man in one undivided person. Next to the Holy Trinity, this is the highest mystery, upon which our only consolation, life, and salvation depends, as the apostle testifies in 1 Timothy 3:16.' The piece is perfect for Ascension, or Christmas Day and Easter. With its focus on the incarnation, the music hits the high feasts of Christ's life, especially the exaltation of Christ's human nature."  - Rev. Pastor Peter Gregory

Musically, the piece begins the A section majestically in G-minor, with the voice of Paul, the "orator." Then the music moves quickly to the B section in the dominant minor key (D-minor). Here we hear the many colorful voices of Paul, the "evangelist," speaking continuously among the people. The music in the B section is written in 4-part counterpoint. Then, there is a coda which modulates briefly through the original key (G-minor) and ends victoriously with a chorale in the relative tonic, G major. Here again, one hears the voice of Paul the "orator" in the final phrases of the Coda; "Believed on in the world and taken up in glory!".