The first time I saw the production Greater Than Us All by Kenneth Cope, was about 26 years ago. I have vivid memories, both visual and emotional, from that production. It had a strong, positive impact on my life so I did what most people would do in order to be able to relive that experience as much as possible: I bought the CD (and I bought the sheet music so I could play everything myself). I wanted to be able to get inside the music, let it wrap around me and suspend me in warmth and light. Have you ever experienced that? There are a few pieces of music that I feel this way about and Kenneth Cope’s celebration of our Savior is one of them.
This year, one of the stake’s in the area decided to present this Easter Cantata as a service to the community, for the hearing and the Deaf. I had mixed emotions and thoughts about this. I have interpreted plays and musicals professionally both for profit and pro bono so I was comfortable with the concept. However, as I thought about the impact this performance had on me many years ago, I was concerned about how to make this as impactful as possible for the Deaf members of the community.
The cantata opens with heavenly sounds of Alleluia. Although it is only one word repeated, the meaning is enhanced by the beautiful instrumental arrangement. I thought to myself: “There is no way I can do this song justice in ASL. How do I paint the pictures that fill my heart and soul when I hear this??” I was so grateful when I found out the director had chosen to pair this piece with visuals of the Savior and His life. So what do you do in this situation? I made the decision, in this particular case, to briefly explain the song to the Deaf in attendance and they just watched the videos/visuals projected onto the screen. After all, ASL is a visual language so let the visuals carry the message. In the past, I’ve interpreted Handel’s Messiah without the benefit of videos/visuals, so interpretation was the only option available to me which was a bit challenging.
Most of us are familiar with the song His Hands, which is a part of Kenneth Cope’s cantata. Truly a beautiful song. But do you know the other songs? Greater Than Us All, More Than Just a Boy, Face to Face, and all the rest? Do you know the stories presented in the music? And the faith expressed? Can you imagine the excitement and anxiety Joseph and Mary felt?
Anytime music is interpreted, it is important to know what the artist had in mind when writing it. Usually this information can be found online. When I interpret the hymns, I always start with the history and the scriptures associated with each hymn. I didn’t have that when preparing for Greater Than Us All. However, I am waiting to hear back from Brother Cope and if you are curious to know what he says, I would be happy to share it with you. Because I didn’t have the history of the songs at my disposal, I did my best to study the lyrics and visualize the message.
Working on the song titled the same as the cantata, I found there was a place to role shift and become Heavenly Father (if everything was set up well). In this context, I have not experienced that role shift. I was very excited and practiced it. Role shifting give us, as interpreters, an opportunity to “become” someone else. Have you ever imagined yourself “becoming” Heavenly Father? Can you see Him calling His children to the grand council in heaven to discuss the Plan of Salvation and the role our Savior would play? Can you feel the magnitude of what that means? Honestly, I felt a bit overcome emotionally visualizing what this would look like (obviously from my limited mortal experience. I’m sure the actuality of this amazing event is beyond beautiful in description).
Even though the performance was short, about an hour, there is a lot to consider when interpreting something like this. I am grateful for the opportunity to interpret the Greater Than Us All Easter cantata. I had a fabulous team and we had an amazing experience. Interpreting scripture and music celebrating the Savior is always a humbling and testimony building experience.
ASL LDS Interpreters 