Haydn’s ‘other’ oratorio

If one thinks of an oratorio by Haydn, it is the Creation and the Seasons which jump into mind immediately. One of his lesser known works is his setting of the Seven Last Words of Christ. Indeed, this work is not actually an oratorio, at least not in the Handelian sense. Even though there are already several recordings available, the present release is most welcome, to draw more attention to this very interesting piece. The production is, overall, carefully prepared and produced. The informative booklet text is given in French, English and German. A brilliant short and yet comprehensive history of the work, written by Andreas Friesenhagen, gives a good introduction to its genesis: Haydn had originally written an orchestral piece in 1786, commissioned by the Canon of Cadiz for the chapel of Santa Cueva. It was meant as meditative music…