A Composer at the Cross: Interpreting John Stainer’s “Crucifixion”

Abstract

This paper assesses Sir John Stainer’s 1887 oratorio “The Crucifixiion” from the standpoint of its relationship to John’s gospel and the other scriptural texts on which it draws. It also considers the theological antecedants of the themes and images the work is built around, in particular, revelation, Jesus as Son of God and King, ascent and descent, and death as glorification. It also examines the work in the context of Victorian church music, and assesses whether the work presents a legitimate interpretation of the passion story and the associated theological themes of kerygma, koinonia and leitourgia.