The Way of the Cross

A new service book for Passiontide has just been published by the Royal School of Church Music.  The Way of the Cross takes the form of a sequence of words and music, and follows in the steps of Jesus from the Garden of Gethsemane to Pilate’s house, and on through the city to Calvary. 

The service book is the result of collaboration between the composer and conductor David Ogden, and Peter Moger, the Church of England’s National Worship Development Officer.  “For many years churches have been well-served by the RSCM service book The Cross of Christ - a Passiontide devotion for choir and congregation.  The Way of the Cross is, in a sense, its natural successor, designed to help churches enter more fully into the mystery of the Cross by reflecting in word, music and silence,” said Peter Moger.

The impetus behind The Way of the Cross came from the publication in 2006 of Common Worship: Times and Seasons from which several ‘stations’ for prayer and reflection are taken, with the Passion narrative mostly based on that found in St Mark’s Gospel.

There is a wide variety of music including well-loved hymns such as ‘O sacred head’ and ‘My song is love unknown’. “The Way of the Cross is suitable for choirs of all shapes and sizes and there are plenty of opportunities for soloists and instrumentalists to be involved too if desired,” said David Ogden who chose the music which ranges from the 17th century to the present day. “Many choirs will enjoy the simple serenity of Phillip Wilby’s ‘Wondrous Cross’ and Ronald Corp’s ‘Take up your cross’ as well as relishing the challenge of singing Lotti’s six-part ‘Crucifixus’, Phillip Moore’s ‘It is a thing most wonderful’ and the mystical ‘Song of Christ’s glory’ by Grayston Ives.  

Already, The Way of the Cross has been well received.  “When we ‘road tested’ the service last year in my parish, many of the congregation found the experience deeply moving and much preferred it to previous performances of assorted choral works,” said David Ogden.

How to obtain The Way of the Cross :

Price £5 (RSCM affiliated members can claim a 25% discount)
Order directly from RSCM Music Direct (cheques made payable to SCM-Canterbury Press),
St Mary’s Works, St Mary’s Plain, Norwich, NR3 3BH.
Telephone: +44 (0)845 021 7726 then dial 206. Fax: +44 (0)845 021 8826. 
Email: musicdirect(at)rscm.com, or shop online at http://www.rscm.com/shop.

Ends.
10 December 2007

Notes for Editors:

FOR REVIEW: Please send requests for review copies of The Way of the Cross to Heather Bamber (contact details below).

The Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) is an educational charity and promotes the best use of music in worship, church life, and the wider community.  The RSCM also publishes music and training resources, and organises courses, short workshops and activities. With over 8,500 affiliates, members and friends in over 40 countries, it is an international network, supported by over 750 volunteers and small team of staff based throughout the UK.

PDFs of RSCM news releases are generally available here (go to "News Releases").

Photographs for media use are available from the Media & Picture Gallery (go to "RSCM picture gallery").

For further enquiries contact:
Stuart Robinson:
RSCM Media Relations Organiser
srobinson@rscm.com
T: 01492 556378 / 07831 827701

or

Heather Bamber
RSCM Marketing & Communications Administrator
E: hbamber@rscm.com
T: 01722 424847 or 07786 331364