COMMENDO SPIRITUM (2024)

SATB A Cappella Choir (with divisi) | ca. 6'

INSTRUMENTATION

Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass, Piano (for rehearsal only)

Digital Score: $35

Please contact music.ryanfillinger@gmail.com to purchase.

Listen to COMMENDO SPIRITUM

Kathryn Davidson, conductor

Performed live April 25th, 2025 (WORLD PREMIERE)

Commendo SpiritumWM.pdf

PROGRAM NOTE

Luke 23 is the twenty-third chapter of the Gospel of Luke that narrates the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ in AD 33, who was persecuted by the governor of Judea, Pontius Pilate, for claiming to be the Son of God. Making such a claim without proper verification by authorities was considered blasphemous and punishable by death via crucifixion under ancient Roman law. So, to the Romans, this was simply another insignificant execution, but for Christ and his disciples, the crucifixion was a fulfillment of the plan of God, and marked the beginning of Christianity. Verses 44-46 depict the moment Jesus surrenders his life on the cross for the atonement of the sins of all people.

Commendo Spiritum was premiered on April 25th, 2025 by singers of the University of North Texas Choral Studies Division in Paul Voertman Concert Hall in Denton, Texas, U.S.A., conducted by Kathryn Davidson.

Erat autem fere hora sexta,

et tenebrae factae sunt in universa

terra usque in nonam horam.

Et obscuratus est sol, et velum

templi scissum est medium.

Et clamans voce magna Jesus ait,

Domine, in manus tuas commendo

spiritum meum!

Et haec dicens expiravit.

Latin Vulgate Translation

And it was almost the sixth hour,

and there was darkness over all

the earth until the ninth hour.

And the sun was darkened, and the veil

of the temple was rent in the midst.

And Jesus crying out with a loud voice,

said, Lord, into thy hands I commend

my spirit!

And having said this, he gave up the ghost.

King James Bible

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse