Alas, and Did My Savior Bleed with Were You There

The combined message of these two Easter hymns intertwined together provides a powerful moment of introspection and meditation regarding the work of Christ on the cross and how we are to interface with that. It should be performed with great care and sensitivity, taking the time for expression and reverence. The opening verse eighth notes need to be played lightly and effortlessly. By way of contrast, the key change provides opportunity for a strong musical statement, followed by a transition back to a quieter final contemplation of "Were you there when they crucified my Lord." The ending requires extreme delicacy and practice to get the timing with the sustain pedal, and with the soft pedal down, to play the chords as lightly as possible while still having every note sound.