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A Sermon, a Narrative and a Prayer (1960-61)

Compiled by Andrew Kuster

Background considerations for A Sermon, a Narrative and a Prayer

The work is for narrator, alto and tenor soli, four-part mixed chorus, flute, alto flute in G, 2 oboes, clarinet in Bb, bass clarinet in Bb, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, three trumpets in Bb, 3 trombones, tuba, 3 tam-tams, piano, harp, and strings.

The work is twelve-tone, and in it Stravinsky employs set rotation, verticals, and diagonals (like he will in Requiem Canticles). The row itself contains much symmetry, employing [0,1,4] in the first, second and final trichord and [0,1,2,4] as the last set of each hexachord:

EbECDDbBbBF#GAAbF

The formal construction is symmetrical:

  1. A Sermon (from St. Paul) for chorus and orchestra
  2. A Narrative (from the "Acts") for narrator, soli, and orchestra
  3. A Prayer (from Dekkar) for soli, chorus, and orchestra

In Present Perspectives (259), Craft claims the text was chosen by him.

I. A Sermon (From St. Paul)

The row is given in its prime form in the violins and alto flute at the beginning of the work. In places marked with an asterisk (*) Stravinsky adjusts the text from Hebrews from the original King James: "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

(Romans 8:24) We are saved by hope, but hope that is seen is not hope for what a man sees why does he yet hope for?
(Hebrews 11:1) The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen is faith.*
(Galatians 12:29) And our Lord is a consuming fire.
(Romans 8:25) If we hope for what we see not, then do we with patience wait for it?
(Hebrews 11:1) The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen is faith.*
(Galatians 12:29) And our Lord is a consuming fire.

II. A Narrative: The Stoning of St. Stephen (from the "Acts") [chapters 6 and 7]

The chorus is tacit during the central and most extensive movement. Words in curvy brackets {}are performed simultaneously by narrator and soloist. Tenor always sings what Stephen speaks until the last line.

N: (6:2a) Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them and said:
A: (6:4) We will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.
N: (6:5a) And the saying pleased the whole multitude and they chose {Stephen,}
A: {Stephen,} a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghos(st)st.
N: (6:7) And the word of God increased; and the number of disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
A: (6:8) And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

[Fugue represenataive of dispute enters with row on tonic and dominant.]

N: (6:9a,c) Then there arose certain of the synagogue, disputing with Stephen. (6:10) And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. (6:11) Then they suborned men, which said, we have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. (6:12) And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and brought him to the council.
A: (6:15) And all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it has been the face of an angel.
N: (7:1) Then said the high priest, Are these things so? (7:2a) And Stephen said:
T: (7:51) Ye do always resist, always resist, the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, as your fathers did, so do ye. (7:52a) Which of the prophets, which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted, have not your fathers persecuted? And they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One.
N: (7:54a) When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, full of the Holy Ghost, said:
T: (7:56) Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

[Soloists sing the following together, at times one or the other drops out symbolizing chaotic fury or rage.]

T&A: (7:57) Then they cried out with a loud voice, and ran upon him with one accord (7:58) and cast him out of the city, and stoned him:
N: and the witnesses laid down their clothes {at a young man's feet,}
A: {at a young man's feet,} whose name was Saul.
N: (7:59) And they stoned {Stephen,}
A: {Stephen,} calling upon God, and saying,
T: Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!
N: (7:60) And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice
T: Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.
N: And when he had said this,
T: He fell asleep.

III. A Prayer (from Thomas Dekkar)

Dekkar was an English playwright (1570-1641). This movement is in memory of the Reverend James McLane (d.1960), an Episcopalian minister and Stravinsky's friend.

The loudest dynamic in the final movement is mezzo-forte.

Oh My God, if it Bee Thy Pleasure to cut me off before night,
Yet make me, My Gratious Sheepherd, for one of Thy Lambs to whom Thou Wilt Say,
"Come You Blessed," and cloth me in a white robe of righteousness
that I may be one of those singers who shall cry to Thee Allelluia.

 

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