About Seven Last Words
Haydn’s Die sieben letzten Worte unseres Erlösers am Kreuze is just as much a part of Easter as Bach’s passions. In this concert, these sober musical reflections on the suffering of Christ are given a new interpretation that fits into our time. The Ragazze Quartet plays Haydn’s poignant notes; philosopher Paul van Tongeren holds a ‘suffering meditation’ on contemporary events between the movements.
Joseph Haydn wrote his modest musical meditations on the seven words of the cross of Christ in 1786 at the request of a Spanish marquis. The work was intended for Good Friday in the cathedral of Cádiz. The seven sonatas were always preceded by spoken texts from the bishop. With this new interpretation by the Ragazze Quartet and philosopher Paul van Tongeren, this suffering meditation is given a new meaning for the 21st century person.
