Composer

:

Maximilian Steinberg

Genre

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1923

Average_duration

:

47:07

Movement_count

:

11

Movement ....

Passion Week, Op. 13 is a choral work composed by Maximilian Steinberg in 1923. It is a setting of the Russian Orthodox liturgy for Holy Week, which commemorates the events leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The work is divided into 15 movements, each corresponding to a different day or event in the Holy Week. The premiere of Passion Week took place in 1924 in Leningrad, conducted by Nikolai Malko. The work was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and it quickly became a staple of the Russian Orthodox choral repertoire. The first movement, "Behold, the Bridegroom," sets the tone for the entire work with its hauntingly beautiful melody and rich harmonies. Other notable movements include "The Wise Thief," which features a solo tenor singing the words of the repentant thief who was crucified alongside Jesus, and "The Angel Cried," which celebrates the resurrection of Christ. Steinberg's music is characterized by its lush harmonies, intricate counterpoint, and use of traditional Russian Orthodox chant melodies. He also incorporates elements of Western classical music, such as polyphony and chromaticism, into his compositions. Passion Week is considered one of Steinberg's greatest works and a masterpiece of Russian Orthodox choral music. It is a testament to his skill as a composer and his deep understanding of the liturgy and traditions of the Russian Orthodox Church.

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