Give Me that Stranger

This unusual and compelling text from the Byzantine Liturgy (Troparion for the Burial of Christ) speaks of the devotion of Joseph of Arimathea as he begs for the body of Jesus. The music reflects Byzantine sensibilities, yet is grounded in twentieth century American choral style. A soloist sings in recitative and then against an undulating choral repetition of the title words, telling the story as if speaking to Christ. Chilling and otherworldly. Part of the Washington National Cathedral Series.