Joseph Haydn: The Seven Last Words of Our Saviour on the Cross
2/1/2012, 9 Tracks, 1:12:20
Featuring
Pavel Hůla
Vlastimil Holek
Josef Klusoň
Michal Kaňka
Pražák Quartet
Joseph Haydn
Did you know?
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Composition History
Joseph Haydn received a commission from a Cadiz canon in 1786 to compose orchestral pieces for a Holy Week ceremony in the church of Santa Cueva, Spain.
Composition History
After its successful orchestral premiere on April 6, 1787, Haydn immediately transcribed the work for string quartet to ensure its continued performance.
Performer Biography
The Pražák Quartet, one of today's leading international chamber music ensembles, was established in 1972 by students at the Prague Conservatory.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Haydn considered The Seven Last Words of Christ on the Cross to be "the finest of all my works."
Historical Context
The ceremony for which Haydn composed this work involved a priest commenting on one of the seven last words of Christ, with music filling the intervals.
Compositional Technique
The work consists of seven adagios, a slow rhythmic introduction, and a concluding "earthquake" (terremoto) movement designed to release accumulated energy.
Performer Biography
The Pražák Quartet won first prize at the Evian String Quartet Competition in 1978 and has recorded over 30 award-winning CDs.
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