CJ Madsen
Tree of Life, Rod of Iron
Submitter Statement:
My entry is a work rooted in Jesus Christ and the witness of Him in The Book of Mormon, specifically Lehi and Nephi's vision of Christ as the Tree of Life. BYU taught me to use my skills to witness of Christ in all things. I am excited to continue to share my talents throughout my life, skills I was able to hone at BYU.
Entry Description:
"Tree of Life, Rod of Iron" is a nine-movement cantata for SATB choir, 4 soloists, and piano. It is a musical depiction of Lehi and Nephi's visions of Christ as The Tree of Life, as recorded in 1 Nephi 8-15 in the Book of Mormon. It is a work that testifies of Christ's power to nourish, guide, and protect us from the forces of darkness. Latter-day Saint listeners will also recognize motivic snatches of the beloved 19th-century hymn "The Iron Rod", which is sung in its fullness as part of the concluding movement of the work.