Composer

:

Orlande de Lassus

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Passion

Publication Date

:

1575

Average_duration

:

58:46

Orlande de Lassus' 'Passio Domini nostri Jesu Christi secundum Mattheum, H. ii/3' is a sacred choral work that depicts the Passion of Christ according to the Gospel of Matthew. It was composed in the late 16th century and premiered in Munich, Germany in 1575. The work is divided into two parts, with the first part depicting the events leading up to the crucifixion and the second part focusing on the crucifixion itself. Each part is further divided into several movements, with a total of 21 movements in the entire work. The first part begins with an instrumental introduction, followed by a choral setting of the Gospel narrative. This is followed by a series of solo and choral movements that depict the betrayal of Jesus by Judas, his arrest, and his trial before the high priest and Pilate. The first part ends with a choral setting of the crowd's demand for Jesus to be crucified. The second part begins with an instrumental introduction, followed by a choral setting of the Gospel narrative of the crucifixion. This is followed by a series of solo and choral movements that depict the various events that occurred during the crucifixion, including the mocking of Jesus, his death, and the earthquake that occurred afterwards. The work ends with a choral setting of the final words of Jesus on the cross. The characteristics of Lassus' 'Passio Domini nostri Jesu Christi secundum Mattheum' include its use of polyphonic textures, with multiple vocal parts weaving in and out of each other to create a rich and complex sound. The work also features a variety of musical styles, including recitative-like passages, hymn-like chorales, and more elaborate choral settings. The use of instrumental interludes between movements adds to the overall dramatic effect of the work. Overall, Lassus' 'Passio Domini nostri Jesu Christi secundum Mattheum' is a powerful and moving depiction of the Passion of Christ, and remains a significant work in the sacred choral repertoire.

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