17 Stories

This section of my website is hidden from public view. If you use the above menu, you will enter the public view. To return to this page, access the original link I provided. There are 17 pieces, each with a reflection on Jesus’ life, 46 minutes in total.

Since pipe organs always sound best in large spaces, high quality speakers at a good volume are suggested. However, a good set of headphones will keep the peace!

If you are interested in viewing the scores, I am providing a downloadable ZIP file for all 17:

Part 1: Beginning

1. Toccata in E (≈2:50)
“I bring you good news of great joy which will come to all the people.”
Luke 2:10
There is news that something important is going to happen. There is a sense of great joy and excitement. The rhythmic pattern is simple and non-stop throughout. It is a heralding, straight-forward piece.

2. The Journey (≈2:50)
And lo, the star in the East went before them, till it came to rest over the place where the child was.
Matthew 2:9
A message with great significance has been received, initiating a journey which leads to an arrival.

3. The Presentation (≈1:50)
"For mine eyes have seen thy salvation."
Luke 3:22
A young child is presented to elders of the community in a traditional ritual. This child is unusual, surrounded by sparkling, dancing, colorful energy.

4. The Descent (≈2:25)
The heaven was opened and the holy spirit descended as a dove.
Luke 3:21-22
A profound and life-changing realization descends upon this person during an initiation ceremony.

5. In the Wilderness (≈3:10)
And he was in the wilderness forty days; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to him.
Mark 1:13
Wandering in the wilderness, with only wild creatures as company. A person coming to terms with both their inner and outer environments.

Part 2: Middle

6. The Wedding (≈2:25)
"Everyone serves good wine first, and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one; but you have kept the good wine until now.”
John 2:10
An event happens that would stop a celebration from continuing. The problem is resolved in an unusual manner and the party resumes with even more joy.

7. Blessed Be (≈2:20)
“Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain and taught them.” Matthew 5:1-2
A person of great authority speaks to a crowd, celebrating their capabilities.

8. The News (≈2:40)
“And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area.”
Luke 4:37
The news is spreading of someone traveling with great authority and wisdom.

9. Two By Two (≈2:45)
“And he called to him the twelve, and began to send them out two by two.”
Mark 6:7
Those who have reached an understanding are sent out, two by two, to teach the good news. They are unprepared, often not knowing what to do, but learning.

10. The Gift of Nard (≈2:15)
“And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.”
John 12:3
A woman pours a vial of very expensive oil on the feet of this teacher who is a guest at a gathering, and wipes it with her hair.

Part 3: End

11. The Very Stones (≈3:10)
"I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out."
Luke 19:40
What starts as a small group of people walking together gradually develops momentum as more people get involved, until there is a huge and joyous crowd.

12. Day of Wrath (≈2:40)
“And Jesus entered the temple of God and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers.”
Matthew 21:12
The beginning of the piece is immediately in agitated motion as terrible events are being witnessed and anger is increasing. A fight breaks out, tables are being overturned with a huge buildup.

13. Sleeping for Sorrow (≈2:35)
“And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow.”
Luke 22:45
A quiet moment between momentous events depicts the exhausted followers of the teacher, unable to stay awake, falling asleep repeatedly. However, the music suggests a very troubled sleep, as events continue to unfold.

14. Way of Pain (≈3:15)
“And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull.”
John 19:17
The teacher is trudging on a path towards certain death at the hands of the authorities. The piece constantly builds towards that inevitable moment.

15. Song of the Marys (≈3:00)
“Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene.” John 19:25
Three Marys, close friends and relatives of the teacher have witnessed what occurred and are in deep pain.

16. Fantasy and Chorale (≈3:10)
“They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; and stooping to look in, he saw the linen clothes lying there.”
John 20:4-5
Some followers, having heard news that something unexpected may have occurred, are racing to find out. What they see astonishes them.

17. And Suddenly a Sound (≈2:05)
“And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.”
Acts 2:2
Followers of the teacher have a communal experience of great power. The music is a dance, and is meant to express growing joy.