IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE WORD (SSATB) – John 1:1-18 SSATB - Digital Sheet Music

SKU: A0.926671

My dear friend, and Pastor Don Colageo and I cut our teeth together with this piece when we decided to dive headlong into this cycle of Seven Anthems to Christ. It was the second song of the (SEVEN ANTHEMS TO CHRIST) cycle that I had composed, but the first using his Greek translation(s). It eventually would become the last piece to grace the cycle of seven in order of my musical presentation sequence. In fact, this known 1st century Hymn to Christ spans 18 verses of the first chapter of the Gospel of John. My setting of the anthem is seven plus minutes long in performance length. The song's length was not on purpose, but the number seven does have Biblical significance (seven days of creation, seven golden lamp stands, etc.) The number seven is also known among Biblical scholars as the number of Holiness and Perfect Creation.  

Since this rather long, yet theologically complete Hymn to Christ already existed in the 1st century, it is no wonder the Apostle John opted to begin his Gospel with it, probably quoting the entire text. Consequently, he converted this particular Hymn to Christ’s lyrics into what would later become canonized Scripture.

The anthem is composed for SSATB with solo SSA trio, and Solo Soprano and Solo Baritone lines, accompanied by Flute and B♭ Clarinet. The key signature of the anthem is B♭ Major. However, a lot of time is spent weaving and bobbing around the Dominant chord, (F Major).  The Flute and Clarinet introduction play seven different motifs, interweaving with counterpoint, musically connoting the dual natures of Christ--fully God, and fully man. An SSA trio opens the piece recounting the creation story. A bass solo shortly follows, introducing John the baptizer's story and purpose. Soon, the anthem breaks out into full SSATB illustrating Christ's life and purpose for our salvation. The final coda is the great Doxology, sung in 5 parts, accompanied by the Flute and Clarinet, and the entire congregation (or audience) is invited to sing along with the familiar tune.