I Am the Good Shepherd

Luke Mayernik

This atmospheric meditation on the topic of Christ as the Good Shepherd is ideal for use on the Fourth Sunday of Easter but could be used in any liturgy that wishes to focus on the rich, enfolding love of God for us. Ostinato effects, planing harmonies, and added-note chords enhance a mantra-like dialog between the SATB chorus (repeated “I am” motif) and a soloist/duet/trio (“I am the Good Shepherd”). In addition to the piano accompaniment, the included flute part, evocative of a pan pipe, ties into the pastoral topic, often echoing—as if at a distance, lontano—the soloists’ melody.