Semana Santa

I hope everyone remembers the last 7 words of our savior Jesuschrist at the cross.

If not, here there are:

1. "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do"

2. "This day thou shalt be with me in Paradise"

3. "Woman, behold thy son"

4. "My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?"

5. "I thirst"

6. "It is finished"

7. "Into thine hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit"

From this words, an inspiration came to Franz Joseph Haydn to compose a musical piece for each phrase. There are seven meditations from these final words written in the Gospel. This idea came to help the celebration of the Holy Week in Spain.

The complete suite is divided in 9 movements (adding the introduction and the end (earthquake)). The pieces are made for orchestra and choir.

With Haydn's Christian music I perceive a real faith from a devote secular.  I dare say, by hearing the music, that he really was a spiritual man and that he believed in the words and the music with these functions. 

Search on previous posts "The Creation", an oratorio composed also by Haydn. It is in my top 5 of choir music. 

Let us reflect on the meaning of these words, the symbol of the cross, and how art comes to benefit this cause. Art and religion show how high our soul can reach by promoting and working all the spiritual and intellectual capacities inside men. The worship of God through art is the main function of religious music. Just imagine the importance of this art in the Christian Churches. The Pope has some writings on this point promoting the creation and use of art music in the mass, to revive the Tradition of music in the Liturgy. Read them, he is truly an artist (he is also a pianist!).

I can't find the libretto on the internet. I hope someone does.

Here is the introduction, just continue selecting the proceeding movements. I hope you take your time to listen this music, to meditate and believe in art, not just entertainment...