This document is an exploration and analysis of Rob Gardner’s oratorio Lamb of God, aimed at aiding conductors in performance preparation and encouraging more frequent performances worldwide. Research methods include an analysis of the text and music, a performance history, and interviews with the composer and the translator for the new Spanish edition.

The opening chapters look at Rob Gardner’s vision for the oratorio (the crucifixion through the eyes of those close to Jesus), the text, and compositional devices used, such as motives assigned to specific characters. Other chapters provide information on performance recommendations from the composer and author, choral and vocal pedagogical techniques, the new Spanish translation, and reasons to program the work more frequently (accessibility, audience and performer experience, etc.).

Due to minimal existing scholarship on this oratorio, this information is particularly helpful for conductors in the programming, study, and execution of Gardner’s ever-more-appreciated Lamb of God.