Sacred Sounds for Holy Week: A Musical Journey on CLASSIC 107
As we approach Easter Sunday on April 20, CLASSIC 107 invites you to join us at 1 PM each weekday for a special Holy Week series. This curated selection of sacred works reflects the profound themes of sacrifice, reflection, and redemption central to the Easter season.
Monday, April 14 – Beethoven: Christ on the Mount of Olives
We begin with Ludwig van Beethoven’s only oratorio, Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus am Ölberge, Op. 85), composed in 1803. This work portrays Jesus’s emotional turmoil in the Garden of Gethsemane, focusing on his personal decision to accept his fate. The oratorio features a tenor as Jesus, a soprano as a seraph, and a bass as Peter, supported by chorus and orchestra. Despite Beethoven’s own critical view of the libretto, the piece was well-received at its premiere and enjoyed popularity in the early 19th century.
Our broadcast features the London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, with Elsa Dreisig (soprano), Pavol Breslik (tenor), and David Soar (bass), conducted by Sir Simon Rattle.
Tuesday, April 15 – Théodore Dubois: Les Sept Paroles du Christ
Théodore Dubois’s Les Sept Paroles du Christ (The Seven Last Words of Christ) premiered on Good Friday in 1867 at Sainte-Clotilde in Paris. This oratorio sets the seven last sayings of Jesus on the cross to music, combining lyrical melodies with expressive harmonies. Originally scored for a modest ensemble, the work has been cherished in liturgical settings, particularly in Quebec, though it has been less known in France.
The performance features Camerata Instrumentale Berlin and Kammerchor Vela Cantamus, conducted by Andreas Lamken.
Wednesday, April 16 – Alexander Gretchaninov: Passion Week (Selections)
Midweek, we present selections from Alexander Gretchaninov’s Passion Week, composed in 1911. This choral work, rooted in the Russian Orthodox tradition, comprises settings of hymns for Holy Week. The selected movements—“Let My Prayer Be Set Forth,” “Now the Powers of Heaven,” “At Thy Mystical Supper,” and “The Wise Thief”—exemplify Gretchaninov’s rich harmonies and deep spirituality.
Performed by the Phoenix Bach Choir and Kansas City Chorale under the direction of Charles Bruffy, this recording captures the solemn beauty of Eastern liturgical music.
Thursday, April 17 – Heinrich Schütz: Die sieben Worte Jesu Christi am Kreuz
Heinrich Schütz’s Die sieben Worte Jesu Christi am Kreuz (The Seven Words of Jesus Christ on the Cross), composed in 1645, is one of the earliest known musical settings of Jesus’s final sayings. This Baroque work combines soloists, choir, and instruments to create a contemplative atmosphere, reflecting the gravity of the crucifixion.
The Dresden Chamber Choir, led by Hans-Christoph Rademann, delivers a performance that honors the historical and emotional depth of Schütz’s composition.
Friday, April 18: Joseph Haydn – The Seven Last Words of Christ on the Cross
Joseph Haydn’s The Seven Last Words of Christ on the Cross began as an orchestral meditation in 1787, later adapted for string quartet, and then for choir and orchestra. This choral version adds an expressive depth, pairing Haydn’s sublime musical language with the gravitas of Christ’s final utterances.
Performed by the Arnold Schoenberg Choir under the direction of Nikolaus Harnoncourt, this rendition brings both clarity and emotional richness to one of Haydn’s most profound works.
Join us each day at 1 PM as we explore these profound musical reflections on the Passion of Christ, leading us toward the hope and renewal of Easter Sunday.