Composer

:

Jan Dismas Zelenka

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Oratorio

Compose Date

:

1735

Publication Date

:

1980

Average_duration

:

133:08

Gesù al Calvario, ZWV 62 is a sacred oratorio composed by Jan Dismas Zelenka, a Czech Baroque composer, in 1735. The oratorio was premiered in Dresden, Germany, on Good Friday of the same year. The oratorio consists of three movements, each depicting a different scene from the Passion of Christ. The first movement, titled "The Agony in the Garden," portrays Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane before his arrest. The second movement, "The Trial and Flagellation," depicts Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate and his subsequent flogging. The final movement, "The Crucifixion and Death," portrays Jesus' crucifixion and death on the cross. Zelenka's Gesù al Calvario is characterized by its use of complex counterpoint and chromatic harmonies, which were typical of the Baroque era. The oratorio also features a variety of vocal and instrumental textures, including solo arias, duets, and choruses, as well as instrumental interludes. Overall, Gesù al Calvario is a powerful and emotional work that effectively captures the drama and intensity of the Passion story. Zelenka's masterful composition and use of musical techniques make this oratorio a significant contribution to the Baroque sacred music repertoire.

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