Golgotha

About two thousand years ago, Jesus Christ came to earth. He had such great love for mankind, that He even loved those who crucified Him. Golgotha, meaning 'the place of the skull', is a hill outside of Jerusalem where Jesus died on the cross along with two sinners. Golgotha is a tragic place, but it is also where the victory of Salvation took place. The Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the hope of mankind, and will continue to be for the time to come. The piece is composed of three sections. There are three solo instruments, representing the three crosses: flute, trumpet, and piano. Two percussionists back up the soloists with a variety of percussion instruments, and act as an important role in creating the atmosphere of the piece. The first section of the piece is the conversation of the men on the three crosses. The scene starts with the introduction of marimba and vibraphone. This setting is in accordance with the words of the Bible. (Luke 23:39-46) The dialogue among the three main instruments, flute, trumpet, and piano starts. "Aren't you the Christ? If you are, save yourself and save us also," shouts the cross on the left side of Jesus' cross. "Don't you fear God, since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve, but this man has done nothing wrong. Jesus, remember me when you will be with me in paradise," refutes the criminal hanging on the right side of the Christ. "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom," cries the criminal on the right cross. "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise," says Jesus Christ, assuring the criminal of salvation. At last Jesus cries out to God, Father, into your hands, I commit my spirit" The exclamation of the trumpet, in the finale of the first section, is a symbol of the very last words Jesus Christ cried out loud toward God. The second scene is an explanation of the surroundings after Jesus Christ died on the cross. Due to the death of the Christ, the curtain in the temple was torn in two pieces. This means that the Crucifixion of the Christ made possible the direct communication between God and man. This spectacle takes place in the first finale and in the second section simultaneously. "At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life." (Matthew 27:51-52) The last scene takes place near the empty grave. An empty grave gives us a number of impressions. The truth that there is light that goes beyond darkness, and that life wins triumph over death. That is to say, the Christ has gained victory over death. The pause after the second section's finale, which lasts about 20-25 seconds, leads to the realization of absolute truth, and the image of the empty grave is recalled. The empty grave is an emblem of the Resurrection of the Christ. The last part of the piece starts with a long echo of the chime. This piece itself is a symbol of the historical event of the Crucifixion of the Christ, which leads to the salvation of mankind. It also symbolizes the eternal life given to those who believe in Jesus Christ, through His Resurrection. Christ has risen.