Conceptual 4-Part Chorale for Matthew 15

Movement I: "Confrontation and Tradition"

Theme: Conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees over traditions.

Musical Character: Tense, dissonant harmonies with a call-and-response pattern.

Lyrics Inspiration: Jesus’ rebuke of the Pharisees' hypocrisy.

Movement II: "Faith of a Canaanite Woman"

Theme: The Canaanite woman's unwavering faith and Jesus’ response.

Musical Character: A minor to major progression with solo passages.

Lyrics Inspiration: Dialogue between Jesus and the Canaanite woman.

Movement III: "Compassion and Healing"

Theme: Jesus' healing and the miracle of feeding the four thousand.

Musical Character: Warm, flowing melodies growing to jubilant harmony.

Lyrics Inspiration: Jesus' compassion and miraculous provision.

Movement IV: "Revelation and Understanding"

Theme: Spiritual revelation over the demand for signs.

Musical Character: Somber mood transitioning to introspective serenity.

Lyrics Inspiration: Jesus’ response to the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Coda: "Echoes of Faith"

Theme: The ongoing journey of faith.

Musical Character: Gentle melody intertwining motifs, concluding peacefully.

Lyrics Inspiration: Synthesis of the chapter's spiritual messages.