The Holy City

"The Holy City" is one of those grand, sweeping anthems that tells a complete story from start to finish. It takes the listener through three distinct visions of Jerusalem. We begin with a peaceful dream of the ancient city and the voices of children singing, before the mood shifts dramatically to the cold, dark shadow of the cross on Calvary. Finally, the music opens up into a triumphant vision of the New Jerusalem, where the gates are wide open and the light of God fills the streets.

For a choir, this piece is a wonderful journey to lead a congregation through. The verses are often taken by a confident soloist who can carry the narrative weight of the changing scenes, while the full choir joins in for the majestic "Jerusalem, Jerusalem" refrains. It is a powerful choice for concerts, special choral presentations, or even during the Easter season, as it moves so beautifully from the sorrow of the crucifixion to the ultimate hope of heaven.