The short but incredibly elaborate scene in this piece is the most visually dazzling of all the scenes in both the operas. After all, it is in this scene that we peek inside Heaven itself!
This piece technically starts on the ending bass drumbeat of “Home Suite”, at which point the full stage is very slowly illuminated (during the time it takes for said drumbeat to dissipate naturally). The combined effect lends an otherworldly feel, and the expectation of something profound to come.
What is slowly illuminated upon the stage is Jesus, standing alongside the spirit of the young woman. They are both clothed in white, and are positioned at the front of the stage, but facing away from us, and gazing upon the gates of Heaven.
There is eventually complete silence. Jesus turns toward the girl, grins, and extends His hand for her to take in trust. She slowly and timidly takes His hand. At the instant her hand touches His, Jesus grabs it powerfully and begins walking forward at a full, cheerful gait without warning, pulling her along slightly behind him as they both take large, fast steps forward.
Then, the gates of Heaven open, revealing a large and luxurious royal banquet hall and table, positively brimming with the most delectable foods, including the classical bunches of purple grapes hanging over the edges of golden containers and the like.
Dressed in dazzling clothing, yet somehow informally, and variously seated and standing around the banquet table, are the angels who made up the chorus of the prior song. They now resume their wordless song of praise and welcome, jubilantly and cordially greeting Jesus and his new guest. There are two empty seats at the table: a throne at the head, and a smaller chair next to and around the table’s corner from it.
This whole scene is breathtakingly beautiful. Once Jesus and she arrive at the table, the young woman looks around at the entire setting: the angels, the food, and just the full glory of it all. Completely overwhelmed, she turns from gazing upon the lavish scene, and looks instead at Jesus in pure awe. All the lights turn off upon the instant of the final note of the piece.
The opera is over, and the story is completed.
Download "Home" score
Tags: angel, banquet hall, banquet table, dazzling, gates of Heaven, glory, grand scene, guest, Heaven, Heavenly throne, Jesus Christ, modern opera, protagonist, salvation, spirit, the Lord, trust
