Christ of Saint John of the Cross was first recorded and performed by oboist James Turnbull and Illuminare consort. The plainchant used in the piece has been made into a stand-alone choral work, In thee, O Lord, have I put my trust. 

 

This piece is one of a series based on the paintings (and poetry) of Salvador Dalí (1904-1989), but also takes inspiration and uses text from psalm 31.

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Although it is a depiction of the crucifixion, it is devoid of nails, blood, and a crown of thorns, because, according to Dalí, he was convinced by a dream that these features would mar his depiction of Christ.

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​TEXT

In thee, O Lord, have I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness. Bow down thine ear to me; make haste do deliver me: and be thou my strong rock, and house of defence that thou mayest save me. For thou art my strong rock and my castle; be thou also my guide and lead me for thy name’s sake. Draw me out of the net that they have laid for me: for thou art my strength. Into thy hands I commend my spirit: for thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.