Haydn: Die Sieben Letzte Worte unseres Erlösers am Kreuze

Featuring

Andrea Pecolo
Stefano Lo Re
Matteo Amadasi
Alfredo Persichilli
Aldo Cazzullo
Quartetto della Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano

Joseph Haydn

Did you know?

1/7

Composer's Artistic Vision

Haydn considered himself 'isolated from the world' during his long service to the Esterhazy family, which he believed forced him to be original.

Composition History

The original performance of 'The Seven Last Words of Christ' involved a bishop delivering sermons on each 'word,' with music played during the intervals.

Composer Biography

Joseph Haydn, known as the 'father of the symphony,' was a fraternal friend of Mozart and teacher of Beethoven.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Haydn was very fond of 'The Seven Last Words of Christ' because it allowed him to focus on the 'heart-rending image of the death of Christ,' moving away from his usual energetic rhythms.

Composition History

Haydn's 'The Seven Last Words of Christ' was originally for orchestra, but he immediately created a version for string quartet and later an oratorio.

Composition History

Haydn's 'The Seven Last Words of Christ' was originally commissioned by priest José Saenz de Santamaria for a chapel in Cadiz, Spain, with a specific performance setting in mind.

Compositional Technique

Haydn's 'The Seven Last Words of Christ' consists of a series of slow movements, intended to evoke the agony and divine dignity of the Saviour, with onomatopoeic sounds of pain.