Our sixth concert will be our own Parish Choir's performance of Joseph M. Martin's "Song of the Shadows" on April 4 at 7:30 PM. This 35 minute work is a tenebrae liturgy. Tenebrae means "darkness" and is a traditional para-liturgy of Holy Week. It usually consists readings, songs, and candles. After each reading and song, a candle is extinguished. The final candle is the Paschal Candle and when extinguished, it signifies Christ's death on the cross.
Martin notes: "Past Pilate's court we see Jesus walk through the valley of the shadow of death as he embraces the cross. Yet it is the silhouette of that same cross which, cast onto the sands of time, offers rest and shelter for those who are weary from the journey. In that sacred shadow, we discover our faith. ... Wherever there are shadows, there is also light."
