Theme: The Beatitudes' contrasts.
Musical Expression: Uplifting melodies for blessings transition to somber passages for woes, using major and minor keys to highlight contrasts.
Theme: The call to love unconditionally.
Musical Expression: Gentle, growing melodies symbolize the challenge and beauty of this radical love, with tensions resolving into peace.
Theme: True discipleship through wise actions.
Musical Expression: Contrasting motifs for wisdom and folly, culminating in harmonious affirmation of living according to Jesus' teachings.
Theme: The command to refrain from judgment.
Musical Expression: Reflective and introspective, with modal shifts and dissonances encouraging self-examination and transformation.
Theme: The guiding principle of mutual respect and love.
Musical Expression: An anthem-like finale that unifies the chorale's themes, inspiring reflection and action.