Simon Vincent: Stations Of The Cross

Vincent, Simon

Inspired by William Fairbank's installation in Lincoln Cathedral entitled Forest Stations, and galvanised by a short but moving visit to Jerusalem in 2015, I have composed a new work for solo piano depicting Christ's spiritual, emotional and corporeal journey, accompanying His path to Crucifixion and subsequent Resurrection. The work, characterixed by long, sustained chords intended as moments for reflection and prayer, takes the form of 17 small movements, 15 of which are musical interpretations of each of the Forest Stations, the remaining two movements providing an Introduction and Conclusion. It is intended that the work opens up reflection upon and discussion of the image of a sole human figure weighed down with burden, an image which for me raises issues of the relationship of the individual to a society and a state which are not only capable of looking away but also of allowing suffering, themes of truly vital relevance to us today. Stations of the Cross is prefaced here by the earlier compositions Meditations on Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, a meditation upon the hours that Christ spent in final prayer in the garden of Gethsemane. It is in the form of a dialogue between Him and God, in which both pose questions and provide answers as Christ seeks to understand that which He is and is about to become. Stations of the Cross will be premiered in Lincoln Cathedral on April 18th 2017, as part a series of recitals in Churches throughout the UK. (Simon Vincent)

Price: $19.98