Composer

:

Arvo Pärt

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1982

Average_duration

:

66:29

Movement_count

:

10

Movement ....

Passio is a choral work composed by the Estonian composer Arvo Pärt in 1982. The piece is based on the Passion of Christ, as told in the Gospel of John. It is written for a solo tenor, solo baritone, choir, and orchestra. The premiere of Passio took place on April 7, 1982, in Stuttgart, Germany, conducted by Helmuth Rilling. The piece is divided into nine movements, each of which corresponds to a different section of the Passion story. The first movement, "Jesus before Pilate," sets the scene for the trial of Jesus before the Roman governor. The music is slow and mournful, with the choir singing in a hushed, almost whispered tone. The second movement, "The Preparation of the Cross," is more upbeat, with a driving rhythm and a sense of urgency. The third movement, "The Crucifixion," is the centerpiece of the piece. It begins with a solo tenor singing the words "Jesus cried out with a loud voice," followed by a chorus of voices singing "Crucify him!" The music is intense and dramatic, with the orchestra and choir building to a powerful climax. The fourth movement, "The Death of Jesus," is a quiet and reflective piece, with the choir singing in a gentle, almost lullaby-like tone. The fifth movement, "The Body Taken Down from the Cross," is similarly mournful, with the choir singing in a slow and mournful manner. The sixth movement, "The Burial," is a somber and contemplative piece, with the choir singing in a low and mournful tone. The seventh movement, "The Resurrection," is a joyful and triumphant piece, with the choir and orchestra building to a powerful climax. The eighth movement, "The Appearance of Jesus to Mary Magdalene," is a gentle and tender piece, with the solo tenor singing in a soft and soothing tone. The final movement, "The Disciples," is a quiet and reflective piece, with the choir singing in a hushed and reverent tone. Overall, Passio is a powerful and moving work that captures the drama and emotion of the Passion story. Pärt's use of simple, repetitive melodies and sparse instrumentation creates a sense of intimacy and contemplation, while the choir and orchestra build to powerful climaxes that convey the intensity of the story.

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