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"There Is Room" was composed by Jonathon Roberts as a tribute to the composer's piano teacher, integrating his favorite verse of John 14:1-4 with themes from the classical works they studied together.

John 14:1-4

There Is Room

Jonathon Roberts

Credits:

Words and Music by Jonathon Roberts
Musicians: Jonathon Roberts, piano, voice; Emily Clare Zempel, clarinet
Recording and mixing by J Scott Hinkley
Filming by Michael Markham
Mastering by Christopher Colbert
Location: Clocktower Lofts, Bronx, New York

Curated by:

Jonathon

2013

Primary Scripture

“Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me.

In my Father’s house are many homes. If it weren’t so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you.

If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also.

Where I go, you know, and you know the way.”

John 14:1-4

Share This Art:

This song was written for Gustav Abrahamson, my piano teacher and most steady musical influence throughout childhood and high school. Just about any piano skills and good habits I’ve held on to through the years are thanks to Gus. The song quotes two of our favorite pieces we worked on together, Chopin’s “Raindrop” Prelude Op. 28, No. 15, and Grieg’s Nocturne Op. 54, No. 4. This spring, after hearing a Spark & Echo concert, Gus said something like, “You know Jonathon, my other star pupils have composed and dedicated major works to me over the years, for wind ensembles and so on…” He continued, “Just so you know, my favorite verse has always been ‘In my father’s house are many rooms…I am going there to prepare a place for you…I will come back to take you to be with me where I am…’ because of the promise to us.” That is quite a promise. Gus this song is for you; you taught me how to play the piano, and I’m forever grateful.

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