'The Seven Words from the Cross,' a composite text from the New Testament Gospels, is set here by Carl F. Schalk for mixed choir (SATB), soloists, and handbells. This setting is designed for the liturgical services of Holy Week, especially Good Friday.
The soloists are comprised of the evangelist (tenor or baritone) and two thieves (bass). Only two handbells are used. This piece begins and concludes with a setting of Nicolaus Decius's chorale 'O Lamm Gottes, unschuldig,' a paraphrase of the Agnus Dei.