Composer

:

Franz Joseph Haydn

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1800

Average_duration

:

2:55

"Ay Waking, O!" is a choral work composed by Franz Joseph Haydn in 1794. It was premiered in Vienna on February 2, 1794, at the Burgtheater. The piece is part of a larger work called "The Seven Last Words of Christ," which was commissioned by the Cathedral of Cadiz in Spain. The work is divided into seven movements, each representing one of the last seven phrases spoken by Jesus Christ on the cross. "Ay Waking, O!" is the fourth movement and represents the phrase "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" The text is taken from Psalm 22 and is sung in English. The piece begins with a slow and mournful introduction, with the choir singing the words "Ay waking, O!" in a somber and plaintive manner. The music then becomes more agitated and intense as the choir sings the words "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" The music reflects the anguish and despair of Christ on the cross, with dissonant harmonies and a sense of unresolved tension. The middle section of the piece features a solo quartet, who sing a more hopeful and comforting text, taken from the Gospel of Matthew. The music becomes more serene and peaceful, with a sense of resolution and acceptance. The final section of the piece returns to the opening material, with the choir singing the words "Ay waking, O!" once again. The music is more subdued and reflective, with a sense of resignation and acceptance. Overall, "Ay Waking, O!" is a powerful and emotional work that captures the intense emotions of Christ on the cross. The music is characterized by its use of dissonance, unresolved tension, and contrasting sections of despair and hope. It is a testament to Haydn's skill as a composer and his ability to convey deep emotions through music.

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