What Wondrous Love Is This for Cello and Organ
Suitable for Lent or a general worship service, "What Wondrous Love Is This" captures the spirit of the hymn text in a setting of the Appalachian folk tune that is hauntingly beautiful, yet joyful and dance-like. The opening solo cello conveys how we sometimes feel alone and wonder how God can love us, which is answered by the organ entrance in a sweeping depiction of God running toward us, similar to the Father running toward the prodigal son. The interlude section expresses the wedding feast of the Lamb, utilizing Hebrew folk dance and Celtic styles. In the final verse, the cello soars above the full organ accompaniment in a triumphant celebration, "And when from death I'm free, I'll sing on!"
This arrangement is graded for intermediate to advanced players.