Album Notes

Welcome!

With the discovery of the 1700-year-old GOSPEL OF JUDAS, the interpretation presented in SAINT JUDAS PASSION, (which presents a "kinder" view of Judas,) now seems to have been a work possibly ahead of its time!

WHY DID HE DO IT?

Why did Judas betray Jesus?

If, for 30 pieces of silver, (Chump change!) why did he commit suicide after witnessing the "success" of his venture?

How are both Jesus and Judas betrayed?

SAINT JUDAS PASSION explores these questions and more as it attempts to point out in words and music the relationship between Judas and Jesus and the motivations which led to their tragic ends.

A PORTION OF THE LINER NOTES:
"The Messiah has come! Judas is convinced! Surely, this is the Christ, chosen to free the Jews from the Romans and establish the Kingdom of God. Temptation, anguish, doubt and betrayal lie before Judas as he begins THREE YEARS ON THE ROAD with Jesus and the other Apostles.

Monday evening of Holy Week, near Jerusalem, Jesus and the Apostles share a meal with Mary Magdalene, and Mary and Martha of Bethany, (sisters to Lazarus.) Mary of B. confesses adoration for Jesus and washes his feet with an expensive perfume. Magdalene's sensitivity and sympathy reap only the bitter harvest of Judas' MAD, MAD MARY. Jesus consoles the weeping Magdalene.

Surrounded by the tormented dancing of the Furies, (in Greek tragedy: the avenging spirits of souls killed unjustly,) Judas expresses confusion and disillusionment as his hopes for a militant Messiah are continually frustrated by Jesus' hesitation to act.

Meanwhile, at the Temple in Jerusalem, High Priest Caiaphas and his father-in-law, Annas, worry about the implications of this new Messish especially during the crowded confusion of Passover. Aware of Judas' growing disenchantment, Annas suggests this "saint" might be useful in controlling the potentially explosive situation.

Following the LAST SUPPER, Judas defines his role in enabling Jesus to fulfill the "true"(?) Messianic calling.

Armed with news of the arrest of Jesus, Caiaphas and Annas are off to the Roman's palace where visiting Roman official, Pilate, and his wife, Claudia, are spending a restless night.

On the Friday morning streets of Jerusalem, vulgar announcement is given the high-noon crucifixion by street urchins. Then, with the final event of the Passion of Jesus, comes the rejection of Judas in his own final anguish and passion. As the broken betrayer takes his own life, the haunting strains of JERUSALEM mingle despair and hope in the FINALE."

79:47 minutes of memorable music.

In addition to the excerpts here, you may listen to more at www.dunkertownworkshop.com. and read the full synopsis of the musical at www.steve-engle.com
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ST. JUDAS HISTORY:

In the early spring of 1973 a double LP album of SAINT JUDAS PASSION was recorded at the former RCA Studios in Hollywood. The production featured a dozen vocal leads, 20-voice chorus, and 35-piece orchestra.

Thanks to present computer and digital recording technology, the original LP has been transcribed to CD (eliminating over 99% of the vinyl record noise) and has additional instrumentation added as well as a new number.

A Review of the original LP in a 1974 issue of THE CLERGY JOURNEL concluded: "...respects its subject matter and the life of the persons about whom it sings...beautiful, full of meaning...done with brilliant success."

Prominent Church of the Brethren author and playwright, Frank Ramirez, stated, "Bar nothing, the 'St. Judas Passion' is one of the most original Brethren works of art since 'Move In Our Midst.' I was entranced when I first heard 'Saint Judas' over thirty years ago, and still feel the same way."

The original LP was first for sale following a live performance at the Church of the Brethren's 1973 Annual Conference in Fresno, CA. Some comments following both the performance and first hearing the album:

"Truly a memorable event in the Church of the Brethren."
1973 Annual Conference Moderator

"Saint Judas Passion was a tremenduous experience."
'73 Annual Conference Manager

"An unprecedented event...It was heart-warming to see an audience of over 4,000 whose silence, concentration, and standing ovation were the highest compliments."
'73 MESSENGER review (Church of the Brethren national magazine)

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS MUSICAL, please visit the Steve Engle website (above left.)
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CHECK OUT OTHER STEVE ENGLE CDs at
www.cdbaby.com as well as
www.steve-engle.com and
www.dunkertownworkshop.com
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Brethren composer/ventriloquist Steve Engle returned to his home state of PA after living 18 years in La Verne, CA, near Los Angeles, where he was Music Director of the La Verne Church of the Brethren as well as a graphic artist at the University of La Verne. Personnel from both institutions were very much involved in both the live performances and the LP recording of "JUDAS" as well as other original Engle works. His "Beyond A Dying Sun" ("I See A New World Coming") is a popular hymn in the Brethren's blue hymnal.

Presently, Steve and his wife, Joan, live in the village of Alexandria near Penn State University in central PA.

WE HOPE YOU HEARD SOMETHING YOU LIKE. IF SO, PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD...AND MANY THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!