Celebrating Eternal Life Through Jesus Christ
Yet Shall He Live is a new oratorio by Timothy Max. Written over the course of a full year, through hundreds of hours, the piece premiered at an Easter 2025 celebration in Houston, Texas, featuring three soloists, a 60-voice choir, and a 40-piece orchestra.
The oratorio reflects on the final week of the Savior’s life, with movements centered on key events: the Triumphal Entry, the Last Supper, Gethsemane, the Trial, the Crucifixion, the Resurrection, and the Ascension. While especially meaningful during the Easter and Christmas seasons, it is well-suited for performance year-round.
Scored for two tenor soloists (Jesus and Peter), a mezzo-soprano soloist (Mary Magdalene), SATB choir, and full orchestra, the work may be presented either in its entirety or as individual movements. The complete performance runs approximately 70 minutes, with subtitles available.
The oratorio is currently available for performance under a nominal licensing agreement. Parts may be copied as needed. In some cases, the composer may also be available to assist with performers in preparing the music.
For performance inquiries, contact:
YetShallHeLiveMusic@gmail.com
Recorded live on March 28, 2026
Words of Jesus | Nick Szoeke | Tenor
Mary Magdelene | Carrie DiVall | Mezzo-soprano
Simon Peter | Kenneth Craft | Tenor
I. – Prologue: And the Last Shall be First | for Orchestra
II. – Triumphal Entry: Blessed is the King | for tenor (Jesus), choir, and orchestra
III.a – The Last Supper: When The Hour Was Come | for mezzo-soprano (Mary), tenor (Jesus), tenor (Peter), and orchestra
III.b – The Last Supper: Lord, Who is It? | for tenor (Jesus), tenor (Peter), mezzo-soprano (Mary), and orchestra
III.c – The Last Supper: A New Commandment | for tenor solo (Jesus), TTB men’s choir, and orchestra
IV.a – Gethsemane: As Thou Wilt | for tenor solo (Jesus), choir, and orchestra
IV.b – Gethsemane: My Soul is Exceedingly Sorrowful | for tenor solo (Jesus), choir, and orchestra
IV.c – Gethsemane: Into the Hands of Sinners | for tenor (Jesus), tenor (Peter), mezzo-soprano (Mary), and orchestra
V. – Trial: To This End was I Born | for tenor (Jesus), tenor (Peter), mezzo-soprano (Mary), Bb Trumpet solo, and orchestra
VI. – Crucifixion: Lamb of God, in Glorious Descension | for Choir and Orchestra
VII. – Redemption: Therefore My Heart is Glad | for tenor (Peter), flute solo, oboe solo, cello solo, and harp solo
VIII. – Resurrection: Out of the Tomb | for SATB choir and orchestra
IX. – The Sepulcher: Why Dost Thou Weep? | for mezzo-soprano (Mary), SSA choir, and orchestra
X. – Ascension: Yet Shall He Live | for tenor (Jesus), tenor (Peter), mezzo soprano (Mary), choir, and orchestra
Photography by Amanda Mark Photo, Houston, TX.
For a larger orchestral texture, the following forces are recommended.
The work may also be successfully reduced to a smaller orchestra if desired.
Words of Jesus | Tenor Solo (High)
Peter | Tenor Solo (Medium High)
Mary Magdalene | Mezzo-Soprano
SATB Choir
Woodwinds
Flute 1 – (2-4 players)
Flute 2 – (2-4 players)
Oboe – (1-2 players)
Clarinet in Bb – (1-2 players)
Ocarina Solo (optional) (1 player)
Brass
Horn in F 1 – (1-2 players)
Horn in F 2 – (1-2 players)
Trumpet in Bb – (1-2 players)
Trombone – (1 player)
Tuba – (1 player)
Strings
Violin 1 – (6-8 players)
Violin 2 (5-7 players)
Viola (5-6 players)
Cello (4-6 players)
Bass (2-3 players)
Percussion
Timpani (1 player), 4 drums: 32″, 29″, 26″, 23″
Percussion (4-6 players): Glock, vibraphone, triangle,
sus. cymbals, snare dr., bass dr., chimes
(may be reduced)
Concert Harp (1 player)
Orchestral piano (1-2 players)
Alternate parts
English Horn (Oboe alternate)
Trumpet in Bb (Horn 1 alternate)
Keyboard (Vibraphone/chimes alternate)
Piano 2 (Harp alternate)
Violin solo (Ocarina Solo alternate)
