Seven Last Words

"The Seven Last Words" was written in 1995 for the British group Kammerspiel, whose request for a substantial work eventually provoked me to turn to the last words of Christ on the Cross, more particularly to Haydn’s string quartet based around those texts (Matthew ch. 27, Luke ch. 23, John ch. 19). "The Seven Last Words" is a more concise treatment of the Scriptural passages than that of Haydn and is intended to be experienced as a journey, both emotional and spiritual. It is cast in a single movement, although the sections are clearly delineated: eleven in all, including introduction, interludes and epilogue.