Aspects of Christ

25 March, 2012 - 19:30 Exeter College Chapel

A musical exploration of the person of Christ

Lent is traditionally a time when Christians reflect on their faith and study aspects of it, and in this concert we explore the many ways in which Christ has come to be known: as child, teacher, healer, friend of sinners, suffering servant and ultimately as King. Christ himself said to his disciples at Caesarea Phillippi “Who do men say that I am?” and he is variously (perhaps even confusingly) identified not just as the Son of God, but as the Son of Man.

Composers have responded richly to the various aspect of Christ — the stages in his life and his various roles — and this concert presents a cross section of contrasting works from across the centuries which illuminate both the image of Christ and his character. Familiar works by Elgar and Byrd are included alongside less familiar works by Capillas and Phillip Wilby, and organist Steven Grahl will play extracts from Olivier Messiaen’s large scale organ depictions of pivotal moments in Christ’s life “La Nativite and L’Ascension”.

We do hope you can join us for an evening in which believers and non-believers alike can reflect on the importance of this man “born a child and yet a King”.

Directed by: James Brown