The Seven Last Words by Théodore Dubois

This week on Going Beyond Words and ACDA Radio/ChoralNet host Stan Schmidt brings on stage four significant composers whose musical gifts are enduring and treasured.

One of these composers won the Prix De Rome prize for composition and in 1867 wrote his very expressive work “The Seven Last Words.” He was well known in France, but was overshadowed by his French contemporaries Charles Gounod, Gabriel Faure, and Camille Saint-Saens. He was, however, well known for his great book on music theory and harmonic etudes. Théodore Dubois’s rich harmonies of this masterpiece have given choral musicians the opportunity  to relate to the topic of “The Passion of Christ.”   This performance is the original version for full orchestra, soloists, and orchestra.  The ensemble Exulate blossomed many years ago (1996) in the twin cities of Minnesota under the gifted leadership of Dr. Thomas Rossin, conductor, with Dr. Stephen Gabrielsen, accompanist, both of whom are involved in the recording you will hear.  “It is the goal of this first class choir to speak the language of emotions to each and every audience to deeply move aesthetic experiences to the listeners and musicians alike.”   This performance is in English.

Other important scores heard on this broadcast are “All We Like Sheep” from Messiah, by Handel; a greatly respected motet titled “Prayer to Jesus” by George Oldroyd, a British composer who was employed by the Anglican Church his entire career and offered by the National Lutheran Choir.

Our listening experience will conclude with the significant chorus from the “St. Matthew Passion” by J. S. Bach, “Here We Sit Down in Tears.” This, too, is sung in English by the Exulate Choral Ensemble.  Your listenership is greatly appreciated as you teach young scholars the gift of the voice.

For a look at the CDs used and a complete list of music heard, go to the blog of WWW.GOINGBEYONDWORDS.COMwebsite and click on show 2526.