Haydn's composition is characterised by a dramatic, extremely moving emotionality that is hard to resist. It was initially conceived as a purely instrumental composition - meditation music in seven slow movements with a prelude and final movement („Il Terremoto“ - the earthquake) for a Passion service. However, when Haydn heard an arrangement of his work with a German text in Passau in 1794, he was inspired to write his own vocal version. The premiere took place in Vienna in 1796. With the flourishing of choral societies in the 19th century, this vocal version of the Seven Words became one of the most frequently performed pieces of Passion music ever.

Kateryna Kasper

Events

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Apr 18, 2025

Good Friday concert · Konzerthausorchester Berlin

Future and recently performed repertoire

Singer in The Seven Last Words of Christ by Haydn

Konzerthausorchester Berlin

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