Stainer's Crucifixion
JOHN STAINER: THE CRUCIFIXION – new critical edition
‘This is an exciting and important addition to RSCM's catalogue. Authoritatively edited, clearly laid out, and handsomely presented, this volume is ideal for every choir performing this classic work.’
- Bertie Baigent, Director of Music, St Marylebone Parish Church
The Royal School of Church Music announces the publication of a new Critical Edition of John Stainer’s The Crucifixion, edited by the leading Stainer expert, Professor Jeremy Dibble, using Stainer's original manuscript, recently given to the Durham University Library. This handsome new edition has comprehensive introductory notes, and uses state-of-the art music engraving. It is fully compatible with existing editions, with the same page and bar numbering.
The Crucifixion: A Meditation on the Sacred Passion of the Holy Redeemer is an oratorio composed by John Stainer (1840–1901) in 1887. It is scored in 20 movements for a SATB choir and organ, and features solos for bass and tenor. Stainer intended the piece to be within the scope of most parish church choirs; it includes five hymns for congregational participation. Its structure is clearly modelled on the scheme of choruses, chorales, recitatives and arias of Bach’s St Matthew Passion, which in 1873 Stainer had introduced into the Music for Holy Week at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Written for Marylebone Parish Church, Marylebone, London, where Stainer’s former pupil William Hodge was organist, The Crucifixion was premiered there on 24 February 1887, the day after Ash Wednesday, where a choir of boys and men was directed by Stainer himself with the organ accompaniment provided by Hodge. There have been performances in Marylebone Parish Church annually since then, and they will be using the RSCM's new edition on Good Friday this year. Stainer's Crucifixion continues to be performed by choirs today, as a staple of the repertoire of choral music for Passiontide and Easter.
