Portraits of Christ: A Composition for String Orchestra

Sound is inherently generative, as exemplified in Genesis 1:3 and John 1:1 when God the Creator speaks the cosmos into existence. I explore this gestalt principle by interweaving Biblical theology and hermeneutics, personal worship, and sound into a five-movement composition for string orchestra. The accompanying essay details its musical content, extra-musical inspiration, and their intersection. The composition is structured around four visions (portraits) of Christ from Scripture and one personal lament: I. Moses and the elders eat a meal in God’s presence on Sinai (Exodus 24:9–11) II. The coronation of the Son of Man (Daniel 7:13–14) III. Lament of a longing heart IV. The slaughtered Lamb before the throne (Revelation 5) V. The wedding feast of the Lamb (Revelation 19:6–9