top of page

Loading Video . . .

The piano and vocal composition by Jonathon Roberts, Dear Friend, juxtaposes a floating melody with virtuosic piano playing to represent Apostle John's letter to his friends.

3 John 1:1-13

Dear Friend

By 

Jonathon Roberts

Credits: 

Composer and performer by Jonathon Roberts
Artist Location: New York City

Curated by: 

Spark+Echo Arts

2010

Image by Giorgio Trovato

Primary Scripture

The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers.
For I rejoiced greatly, when brothers came and testified about your truth, even as you walk in truth.
I have no greater joy than this, to hear about my children walking in truth.
Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and strangers.
They have testified about your love before the assembly. You will do well to send them forward on their journey in a way worthy of God,
because for the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles.
We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
I wrote to the assembly, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, doesn’t accept what we say.
Therefore if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words. Not content with this, neither does he himself receive the brothers, and those who would, he forbids and throws out of the assembly.
Beloved, don’t imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is of God. He who does evil hasn’t seen God.
Demetrius has the testimony of all, and of the truth itself; yes, we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.
I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen;

3 John 1:1-13

A piano and vocal composition setting the book of 3 John. The gentle melody is nearly entirely whole steps and floats over a rapid-fire piano section--John's words are both calm and energizing. The distant feeling of whole steps gives way to a half step in the final vocal line as John prepares to visit in person.



Spark Notes

The Artist's Reflection

Jonathon Roberts is a composer and sound designer for games, film, theatre, and ensembles. His style grew out of classical and jazz training, and evolved through quality life adventures: touring the country in an RV with a one person theater piece on the Apostle Paul, living in Brooklyn with an improv music ensemble, performing in a downtown NYC absurdist comedy band, and a long stint writing music for the renowned slot machine company, High 5 Games. He has released four albums including the latest, Cities a song cycle personifying biblical cities. He created the popular podcast/web series ComposerDad Vs. Bible, in which ComposerDad accepts intense compositional challenges from a mysterious Bible while out with his kids. He frequently collaborates on music and theater projects with his wife, actor Emily Clare Zempel. They live in Beacon, NY, with their two boys and a tangled box of electrical cords. www.jonathonroberts.com




Jonathon Roberts

About the Artist

Loving Arms

I Make Tents

The Sower

Response

There Is Room

These are My Sons

Consider Me a Partner

Weakness

The Day Is Almost Here

Surrogate

Babbler

Remember Me

Prayer

How Beautiful

I Am a Fool

The Constant

Ecclesiastes Cows

Blessing

Fools for Christ

More Than Rubies

Only a Few Years Will Pass

Jonathon Roberts

Other Works By 

Dear Friend


Dear friend, I pray for your health. Even as your soul is getting along well. It gives me great joy. There’s no greater joy. I have no greater joy.


O my dear friend, you are faithful to the Name, and to my brothers and sisters, though they’re strangers to you, they know your love. I know your love.


I write to you. I don’t write to your friend who loves to be first. He will not welcome us, spreading malicious nonsense. So I will call attention, I will call attention. Dear Friend, do not imitate evil but what is good. It is from the Name.


I have much to tell you, but not with pen and ink. I’ll see you soon, face to face. I will see you soon.


Peace to you. Your friends here send their greetings. Greet my friends there by nam



Download Full Score




Related Information
Image by Aaron Burden

View Full Written Work

Loading Video . . .

Image by Aaron Burden

Download Full Written Work
bottom of page