Duration: ca. 22′

Instrumentation: 2.0.2(1=alto sax, 2=tenor sax).Bcl(=bari sax).0 – 0.3.0.0 – 2perc (chimes/vibes/tom-toms; marimba/BD/antique cymbals/chimes) – hp.pno – SATB chorus – strings

Texts:

I. Blessings

Beati pauperes (“Blessed are the poor”)

Blessed are you who are poor

For yours is the kingdom of God

Blessed are you who hunger

For you shall be satisfied

Blessed are you who weep

For you shall laugh

 

Blessed are you when people hate, exclude, and revile you

When they despise you as evil on account of the Son of Man!

Rejoice in that day and leap for joy

Behold, your reward in heaven is great

For so did their fathers to the prophets

 

II. Woes

Woe to you who are rich

For you have received your comfort

Woe to you who are full

For you shall hunger

 

Vae vobis (“Woe to you”)

Woe to you who laugh

For you shall weep

 

Woe to you when all shall speak well of you

For so did their fathers to the false prophets

 

III. Mercies

But I say to you who hear:

Love your enemies

Do good to those who hate you

Bless those who curse you

Pray for those who abuse you

 

What does it profit you to love those who love you?

Even sinners do that

What does it profit you to treat well those who do you good?

Even sinners do that

What does it profit you to lend to those from whom you’ll receive?

Even sinners lend to sinners

 

But love your enemies

Do good

Lend

Expect nothing in return and your reward will be great

You will be sons of the Most High

Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful

 

Eleison… (“Have mercy…”)

 

The Gospel According to St. Luke 6:20b-29, 32-35a, 36 (adapted and paraphrased by the composer)