Composer

:

Arvo Pärt

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1982

Average_duration

:

64:05

Passio Domini Nostri Jesu Christi secundum Joannem, also known as the St. John Passion, is a choral work composed by Estonian composer Arvo Pärt. The piece was composed in 1982 and premiered on April 7, 1982, in Stuttgart, Germany. The work is divided into nine movements, each corresponding to a different section of the Passion story as told in the Gospel of John. The movements are: 1. "Jesus is betrayed and arrested" 2. "Jesus before the high priest" 3. "Jesus before Pilate" 4. "Jesus is mocked" 5. "Jesus carries his cross" 6. "The crucifixion" 7. "Jesus dies on the cross" 8. "Jesus is taken down from the cross" 9. "Jesus is buried" The piece is scored for soloists, choir, and a small ensemble of instruments, including violin, oboe, bassoon, cello, and organ. The vocal parts are written in a style that Pärt calls "tintinnabuli," which is characterized by simple, chant-like melodies and a focus on the interplay between the voices. The instrumental parts are sparse and often repetitive, creating a meditative atmosphere that reflects the solemnity of the Passion story. One of the most striking features of Passio is its use of silence. Pärt employs long pauses between phrases and movements, allowing the music to resonate and giving the listener time to reflect on the text and the meaning behind it. This use of silence is a hallmark of Pärt's style and has been described as "holy minimalism." Passio Domini Nostri Jesu Christi secundum Joannem is a powerful and moving work that has become one of Pärt's most famous compositions. Its spare, meditative style and use of silence create a sense of reverence and contemplation that is fitting for the subject matter.

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