Composer

:

Charles Wuorinen

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1994

Average_duration

:

4:46

"Christes Crosse" is a composition for chorus and orchestra by American composer Charles Wuorinen. It was composed in 1979 and premiered on May 8, 1980, by the New York Philharmonic under the direction of Zubin Mehta. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a different text. The first movement, "The Cross of Christ," is a setting of a poem by Richard Crashaw. The second movement, "The Cross of Loneliness," is based on a text by St. John of the Cross. The final movement, "The Cross of Redemption," is a setting of a poem by John Donne. Wuorinen's use of dissonance and complex rhythms is characteristic of his style, and "Christes Crosse" is no exception. The choral parts are often dense and intricate, with frequent changes in meter and tempo. The orchestra provides a rich and varied accompaniment, with prominent roles for the brass and percussion. Despite its challenging nature, "Christes Crosse" has been well-received by critics and audiences alike. It is considered one of Wuorinen's most important works, and has been performed by numerous orchestras and choirs around the world.

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