Composer

:

Théodore Dubois

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

44:59

Movement_count

:

9

Movement ....

Les Sept Paroles du Christ is a sacred oratorio composed by Théodore Dubois in 1867. The piece was premiered on Good Friday of the same year at the Church of Saint-Eustache in Paris. The oratorio is divided into seven movements, each representing one of the seven last sayings of Jesus Christ on the cross. The first movement, "Père, pardonne-leur, car ils ne savent pas ce qu'ils font" (Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do), is a solemn and mournful piece that sets the tone for the rest of the oratorio. The second movement, "Aujourd'hui, tu seras avec moi dans le paradis" (Today, you will be with me in paradise), is a more hopeful and uplifting piece, with a soaring melody and a sense of redemption. The third movement, "Femme, voilà ton fils... Voilà ta mère" (Woman, behold thy son... Behold thy mother), is a duet between two soloists, representing Mary and John. The music is tender and emotional, reflecting the love and compassion between the two characters. The fourth movement, "Mon Dieu, mon Dieu, pourquoi m'as-tu abandonné?" (My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?), is a powerful and dramatic piece, with a sense of desperation and anguish. The music builds to a climax, reflecting the intensity of Christ's suffering. The fifth movement, "J'ai soif" (I thirst), is a more subdued and introspective piece, with a simple melody and a sense of longing. The sixth movement, "Tout est accompli" (It is finished), is a triumphant and celebratory piece, with a sense of finality and completion. The final movement, "Père, entre tes mains je remets mon esprit" (Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit), is a peaceful and serene piece, with a sense of acceptance and surrender. The music fades away, reflecting the end of Christ's earthly life. Overall, Les Sept Paroles du Christ is a powerful and emotional work, with a range of moods and emotions that reflect the story of Christ's crucifixion. Dubois's music is rich and expressive, with a sense of drama and intensity that captures the essence of the story. The oratorio remains a popular and enduring work in the sacred music repertoire.

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