Olivet to Calvary - JP Maunder
Cantores Oecumencia performed J P Maunders easter oratorio, Olivet to Calvary, on Palm Sunday 2018. You can see the soloists and professional musicians below.
The work is a fine example of music written for the late Victorian/early Edwardian Anglican church. Considered by some to be over sentimental by modern tastes, it contains a sincerity and dedication which, despite being a definite product of its time, has carried the piece through to the modern era.
Its popularity is in part due to its simplicity, needing only organ, choir, bass and tenor soloists, it is a work which can be performed by the smallest choirs.
The words Olivet to Calvary were written and arranged by Shapcott Wensley, a pseudonym for the English poet Henry Shapcott Bunce (1854-1917). Described as a sacred cantata, 'Olivet to Calvary' recalls the scenes which mark the last few days of Christ's life on earth.
Part 1 starts with Christ's jubilant journey to Jerusalem with the rejoicing of the multitude with hosannas and palms. The view of Jerusalem from the steep of Olivet and the lament over the city, the dispersal of the money changers in the Temple, and the sad nocturnal walk on the Mount of Olivet are all portrayed.
Part 2 begins with the ‘Last Supper’ at the Feast of Passover at which Jesus washed His disciples' feet and with Christ's commandment to his disciples to 'Love one Another'. Then follows the agonizing prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, the sudden appearance of the hostile crowd, the abandonment of Jesus by His disciples, His utter loneliness among ruthless enemies, the turmoil before Pilate when Barabbas is released, the tragedy of the Cross, the Crucifixion and eventual triumph of Calvary.
The whole work is interspersed with congregational hymns which reflect on the scenes. While a slight and somewhat outdated work 'Olivet to Calvary', like Stainer's more substantial 'Crucifixion', rewards sincere performance.
The Soloists and Professional Musicians
Christopher Tuner - Tenor
(click on Christopher's image to see his biography)
David Le Prevost - Baritone
(click on David's image to see his biography)
Jean Tragen - Soprano
(click on Jean's image to see her biography)
Peter O'Connor - Pilate
(click on Peter's image to see his biography)
Jonathan Scott - Guest Organist
(click on Jonathan's image to see his biography)
Neil Provost - Conductor
(click on Neil's image to see his biography)
