Composer

:

Joseph Martin Kraus

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Oratorio

Compose Date

:

1776

Average_duration

:

45:17

"Der Tod Jesu, Vb. 17" is a sacred oratorio composed by Joseph Martin Kraus in 1792. The piece was premiered in Stockholm, Sweden, on Good Friday of the same year. The oratorio consists of three movements and is written for soloists, choir, and orchestra. The first movement, "The Agony in the Garden," begins with a somber and mournful introduction by the orchestra. The choir then enters, singing a prayerful chorus that expresses the anguish and fear of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. The soloists then take turns singing recitatives and arias that reflect on the events of the night before Jesus' crucifixion. The second movement, "The Crucifixion," is the centerpiece of the oratorio. It begins with a dramatic orchestral introduction that sets the scene for the crucifixion. The choir then enters, singing a mournful chorus that describes the agony and suffering of Jesus on the cross. The soloists then take turns singing recitatives and arias that reflect on the significance of Jesus' sacrifice. The final movement, "The Resurrection," is a triumphant celebration of Jesus' victory over death. The choir and soloists sing joyful choruses and arias that express the hope and joy of the resurrection. Kraus' "Der Tod Jesu" is characterized by its dramatic and emotional intensity, as well as its use of vivid musical imagery to convey the events of the Passion story. The oratorio is also notable for its use of orchestral color and texture to create a rich and expressive musical landscape. Overall, "Der Tod Jesu, Vb. 17" is a powerful and moving work that continues to be performed and appreciated by audiences today.

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