Deeper Still for SATB Divisi Choir & Piano

This piece is inspired by the poem of my friend, Whit Reed. The poem is a precursor for an art installation he hopes to create and visualizes Christ descending from warm waters, plunging deeper and deeper into the frigid depths where hope seems distant. Yet, Christ is with us, reaching out to bring us back to the light of the sun.

Deeper Still was recorded on January 6th, 2024, in Los Angeles by Brevitas, directed by Dr. Matthew Nielsen in Los Angeles.

Brevitas Choir Recording, 6 January 2024:

 

 

Composer: WT Stephenson
Created: Jan 2024
Lyrics:

H Whitman Reed & WT Stephenson

Deeper Still

If I must dive deeper still, forsake the blue, the green and gold, God, help me say like thine own Son, "not my will, Oh Lord, but Thine be done."

As I descend deeper still, how can I, Lord, endure the chill as He who plunged headlong from heaven, a drowning world to save from guilt.

He slew the monsters, Death and Hell, broke down the prison door to set us free. A light in darkness, hope in despair, He shines with glory eternally.

And through my dive, deeper still, as thoughts of darkness flood my soul, I reach to Thee, my heart to fill, to lift me up, to light of sun, by thine own Son, to make me whole.

 

Duration: 3:30