The Crucifixion: A Meditation on the Sacred Passion of the Holy Redeemer is an oratorio for SATB choir and organ, composed by John Stainer in 1887, with text by W. J. Sparrow Simpson. The piece relates the Biblical narrative of the Passion and Crucifixion of Jesus. It is particularly noted for the Christian hymn “All for Jesus! All for Jesus!”.
The Crucifixion was first performed in St Marylebone Parish Church, London. The work is scored for SATB choir and organ, and features solos for bass (or baritone) and tenor. Structurally, it is based on the traditional format of the Passions by Johann Sebastian Bach, with a Biblical narrative interspersed with choruses, solos and hymns reflecting on the Passion story. Stainer intended the piece to be within the scope of most parish church choirs; it includes five hymns for congregational participation.
The text consists of extracts from the King James Bible with poetic material written by W. J. Sparrow Simpson, the librettist of Stainer’s earlier cantata Mary Magdalene. The work is dedicated “to my pupil and friend W. Hodge and the choir of Marylebone Church”, who first performed it on 24 February 1887, the day after Ash Wednesday. There have been performances in Marylebone Church annually since then.
The work premiered on 24 February 1887 and continues to be performed today.
Composer: Stainer Title of Musical Work: The Crucifixion