Composer

:

Samuel Barber

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

1952 - 1953

Average_duration

:

2:11

The Crucifixion, Op. 29/5 is a choral work composed by Samuel Barber in 1964. It was premiered on March 10, 1965, by the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Choral Arts Society of Philadelphia, conducted by Eugene Ormandy. The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement, titled "The Agony," is a somber and mournful depiction of Christ's suffering on the cross. The music is slow and contemplative, with the choir singing in a minor key. The orchestration is sparse, with the strings providing a mournful backdrop for the choir. The second movement, titled "The Interruption," is a sudden and dramatic shift in mood. The music becomes more dissonant and chaotic, with the choir and orchestra clashing in a cacophony of sound. This movement represents the moment when darkness fell over the land during the crucifixion. The final movement, titled "The Committal," is a peaceful and serene conclusion to the piece. The music is slow and contemplative, with the choir singing in a major key. The orchestration is once again sparse, with the strings providing a gentle and soothing backdrop for the choir. Overall, The Crucifixion, Op. 29/5 is a powerful and emotional work that captures the drama and intensity of the crucifixion. Barber's use of dissonance and sparse orchestration creates a haunting and contemplative atmosphere, while the choir's soaring vocals add a sense of grandeur and majesty to the piece.

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