“The seven words of Man – J. Haydn e J. Saramago”
Synopsis
Commemorating the centenary of the birth of José Saramago (1922 – 2010).
Programme notes
This masterpiece by Joseph Haydn was conceived in a spirit of profound religious conviction. Despite its length and emotional urgency, it is a model of simplicity and sophistication. Above all, Haydn wanted it to be accessible to everybody, regardless of one’s musical or religious background. He wrote: “Each sonata, or movement, is expressed by purely instrumental music in such a way that even the most uninitiated listener will be moved to the very depths of his soul.” This music’s emotional and psychological impact is best conveyed through the most subtle variations of timbre, voicing, rhythm, and tempo – techniques ideally suited to a string orchestra. Therefore this simplest of all versions may indeed be the most affecting. No less compelling than its more grandiose cousins, it is inherently more personal. Haydn considered this to be one of his greatest works. But to hear the music by itself, however powerfully it stands alone, is to experience it in only part of its glory. Reunited with the words that served as its inspiration, it takes on a spiritual dimension rarely found in even the most profound compositions. Thus, to the excellence of music is added the narrative of one of last texts of José Saramago, which was written after a hard work of research to write O Envangelho segundo Jesus Cristo.
Though its message is decidedly Christian, it transcends the focus of any particular faith. This is music which cuts across religious and social lines and speaks sincerely, eloquently, and passionately to everyone, via the common denominator that exists in the soul of all humanity.
Work by J. HAYDN
Programme
J. HAYDN (1732 – 1809)
Die Worte des Erlösers am Kreuze, Hob.XX:2
(The seven last words of Christ on the cross)
Orquestra Clássica do Sul
Rui Pinheiro, Principal conductor
Pedro Monteiro, Narrator
Fundação José Saramago, Texts
17/04
TAVIRA
Igreja do Carmo
06.30pm
Free entry subject to room limitation
Município de Tavira, Organization
