Eighty years ago, in 1945, a young woman was scheduled for an audition for a Church Choir position. As she rode the bus to the church, she realized that she had left her copy of the music on her piano. When she arrived, she found that the organist with whom she had first interviewed had been called away, and someone new was present. At that point, she felt that all was lost.
The substitute organist asked her what she had chosen to sing. “I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked,” she said, “but I left my copy at home, so I guess you won’t be able to accompany me.” The organist replied, “I know that song very well. Please go on,” and he proceeded to play it flawlessly from memory. When she finished, she asked his name, as she had never worked with an organist who accompanied so beautifully without rehearsal or music. “Geoffrey O’Hara,” he replied.
What are the chances that the actual composer would be present for your audition? It has NEVER happened to me! This wonderful anthem is full of emotion as it tells the story of Jesus, from his youth to his death on the cross. The music and lyrics set the scene of us being in Jerusalem, visiting all the places Jesus visited. Not just the historical buildings, but the little lanes and passages where he stepped. As we visit Bethlehem and picture his childhood, the music becomes more joyful and animated. Then, as we approach the hill of Calvary, we feel the heaviness of each step and the weariness of Jesus as he finally dies on the cross. You can click here https://shorturl.at/Us3wS to see some beautiful visuals of this musical setting.
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