Simon Johnson - Purple - Improvisations for Holy Week (LP)

Simon Johnson's "Purple - Improvisations for Holy Week" is a profound and contemplative choral album released on October 25, 2007, under the Lammas label. This album is a deeply moving exploration of the Passion narrative, as told through the Gospel of Luke. With a runtime of 1 hour and 10 minutes, it offers a series of readings and meditations that guide the audience through the pivotal events of Holy Week.

The album begins with a reading from Luke 19:29-48, setting the stage for Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. Each subsequent track alternates between readings from the Gospel and Johnson's original choral meditations, creating a dialogue between scripture and music. The meditations, composed by Johnson, are deeply evocative and range from the solemnity of "Agony in the Garden" to the dramatic intensity of "Crucifixion."

Johnson's choral arrangements are masterfully crafted, blending traditional liturgical elements with contemporary improvisational techniques. The album culminates in the powerful "Victimae Paschali: Choral-Improvisation," a choral piece that serves as a reflective conclusion to the narrative.

"Purple - Improvisations for Holy Week" is a testament to Simon Johnson's skill as a composer and his ability to convey the depth and complexity of the Passion story through music. It is an album that invites listeners to engage with the spiritual and emotional weight of Holy Week, making it a significant addition to any choral music collection.