Haydn: The Seven Last Words of Our Saviour on the Cross, Hob. XX: 1C

Featuring

Yago Mahúgo
Joseph Haydn

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Compositional Technique

The work consists of an Intrada and eight slow movements, all employing sonata form, culminating in a powerful 'Earthquake' movement after Christ's death.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Haydn considered The Seven Last Words of Our Saviour on the Cross to be one of his most special works, often referring to it as such when asked about his own compositions.

Recording & Production

The recording sessions for this album took place in the Parish Church of the Immaculate Conception in Soto del Real, Madrid, with the fortepiano placed in the center of the nave, surrounded by the audience.

Composition History

The commission for Haydn's work came from Cádiz, Spain, but there is much confusion about its exact dating and other details due to errors by Haydn himself and later historians.

Recording & Production

This album features the first worldwide recording of the Salamanca Cathedral copy of Haydn's work, which dates from around 1800 and includes some stylistic changes from the original.

Interpretation

The performer, Yago Mahúgo, uses a fortepiano built by Keith Hill, modeled after an Anton Walter instrument from 1796, which is close to the date of the Salamanca version.

Composition History

Haydn's The Seven Last Words of Our Saviour on the Cross was commissioned in 1785 by Don José Sáenz de Santa María, through Francisco de Paula Micón, Marquis of Méritos, for the Santa Cueva in Cádiz, Spain.