Neswick — Jesus came from Nazareth [2 equal voices + organ]

Voice I, Voice II, Organ

This engaging work is accessible to choirs of all sizes and skill levels.

Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
From wilderness to Jordan came the final prophet to proclaim
That judgment soon was to begin to punish Israel for their sin.
Although of Abraham’s descent, since all have sinned, all must repent,
and, like the Gentiles undergo a baptism, and its import show.
But when Christ came, no judgment dire did he pronounce with venging fire;
Himself the baptism underwent, the sinless, perfect penitent.
On him the spirit as a dove descended, and the Father’s love
Voiced his approval that the Son mankind’s salvation had begun.
All glory, Lord, to you we pray for your Epiphany today;
And to the Father tribute bring, as by the spirit here we sing. Amen.

BRUCE NESWICK is the Artist-in-Residence at St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, La Jolla, California. He is a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University and Yale University, and his organ teachers have included David Dahl, Margaret Irwin-Brandon, Gerre Hancock, Robert Baker and Lionel Rogg. Mr. Neswick also holds Fellowship degrees from the American Guild of Organists and the Royal School of Church Music and was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of the South in 2016. He has conducted dozens of RSCM summer camps and festivals for boy and girl choristers and has been commissioned to compose for performers and churches throughout North America. Mr. Neswick’s skill at improvisation garnered him three first prizes from the 1989 San Anselmo Organ Festival; the 1990 AGO convention in Boston; and the 1992 Rochette Concours at the Conservatoire de Musique in Geneva, Switzerland. Active as a recitalist, choral conductor and composer, he has performed and taught at many past AGO national conventions, including those in Dallas, Seattle, Washington, DC, and Boston Mr. Neswick is represented by Phillip Truckenbrod Concert Artists.