To Serve

* bold opening depicting mans' view of "greatness" in sharp contrast to the second half illuminating scripture's explanation of "greatness"
* organ part has unique character which often works in contrast to the choir

This text is from Mark's Gospel, "Whoever would be great among you," and is treated with a broad sweep. Initial slow-moving voices are punctuated by big organ chords and, later, with unison and contrary-motion duplets that underpin but don't interfere with the voices. A grand setting with a surprising pianissimo ending.

The American Organist - September 2009