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The 3-Penny Cantata
The 3-Penny Cantata is a 14-song cycle
set in Palestine during the crucifixion/resurrection of Jesus Christ
and is performed by Chris Lucas, the composer.
Each of the 14
songs is sung by a particular character or eye witness to the events.
It is termed as a folk-cantata instead of a folk-opera in that there
is no staged drama. Instead, it is performed very much in a
singer/songwriter format, with informal comments and set-up between
songs.
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What exactly DID Pilate's wife dream?
What WERE the thoughts of the angel,
as he patiently sat on the
stone?
Just how would the soldier at the cross have felt,
realizing he had just killed the Son of God?
What was going through Barrabas' mind? |
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The songs explore such questions, as well as the fears, doubts, and
ultimate wonder of the disciples, and men and women closest to
Jesus. In these psychological studies, listeners can easily place
themselves in the same situations, thereby broadening their
imagination of the life-changing, and life-giving events of that
week.
In the Epilog
we hear Jesus Himself. He answers each singer, turning every doubt,
fear, and error in or itself.
The 3-Penny
Cantata is performed in it's entirety by the composer on vocals and
guitar, usually with some extra synthesizer support. It normally
takes about one hour and twenty minutes. Power point visuals of
classical and folk art slides also serve as a backdrop for the
songs.
Some churches that have hosted a
performance of the 3-Penny Cantata include:
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Immanuel Baptist Church -
Richmond, VA
St. Giles Presbyterian Church - Richmond, VA
Eternity Church - Richmond, VA
Second Baptist Church - Petersburg, VA
Third Presbyterian Church - Richmond, VA |
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CHRIS
LUCAS