Conceptual 4-Part Chorale for Matthew Chapter 21

Movement I: "The Triumphal Entry"

Musical Image: A majestic opening with celebratory motifs, transitioning to reflective passages.

Technical Aspects: Rising motifs for the palm branches, shifting to somber harmonies for the foreshadowing of Jesus’ passion.

Lyrics Inspiration: Based on the crowds' shouts of "Hosanna!" intertwined with themes of Jesus’ mission.

Movement II: "Cleansing the Temple"

Musical Image: Begins with dissonance for the temple chaos, moving to determined melodies for the cleansing action.

Technical Aspects: Dissonant chords evolving into serene harmonies, reflecting the temple's restoration as a house of prayer.

Lyrics Inspiration: "My house will be called a house of prayer," emphasizing the sacredness of worship.

Movement III: "The Parable of the Two Sons"

Musical Image: A conversational motif between the voices, culminating in harmonious agreement.

Technical Aspects: Back-and-forth interplay to represent the dialogue, with a concluding harmonious blend for the moral lesson.

Lyrics Inspiration: Reflecting the father’s request and the sons’ contrasting responses, highlighting obedience.

Movement IV: "The Parable of the Tenants"

Musical Image: Tense and foreboding, leading to a dynamic climax for the moment of judgment.

Technical Aspects: Use of tension-building dissonance and climactic resolution to illustrate the narrative's intensity.

Lyrics Inspiration: Draws from the vineyard owner’s justice and the tragic fate of the tenants.

Coda: "The Cornerstone"

Musical Image: Unites previous themes in a triumphant finale, celebrating Jesus as the cornerstone.

Technical Aspects: Motivic inversion and thematic integration for a reflective yet uplifting end.

Lyrics Inspiration: "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone," as a meditation on Jesus’ foundational role.