David Dalle
Thursday March 29th, 2018 with David Dalle
Passion music: Sofia Gubaidulina's Seven Words, Arvo Part, Bach, Sardinian a capella

For my annual show before Good Friday, I draw upon the incredibly rich tradition of music for and inspired by the Passion story. This year, we will hear the extraordinary "Seven Words" for cello, bayan (Russian accordion), and string orchestra by Russian composer Sofia Gubaidulina. Many of her compositions have religious inspiration, even when she was living and composing in the Soviet Union, as with this piece from 1982. The "Seven Words" refers to the the Last Seven Words of Jesus on the cross, the 7 short phrases attributed to him through the 4 gospels. Gubaidulina's work fits into a tradition going back at least to the mid 17th century of setting these phrases to music, in either vocal or instrumental settings. As this is an instrumental piece, the music uses metaphorical gestures such as phrases from the different instruments crossing to make the sign of the cross, and of course it tries to evoke the emotions of each of the sayings. Like much of Gubaidulina's music it is dramatic and powerful, intense and gripping. It is in seven movements of course, for each of the seven "Words", with the dramatic heart of the work in the longest, and central 4th movement. i. Father, forgive them for they know not what they do ii. Woman, behold they son. Son, behold they mother iii. Verily, I say unto thee: Today thou shalt be with me in paradise iv. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? v. I thirst vi. It is accomplished vii. Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit We will also hear some Passion music from Sardinia, other music which sustains and contributes to the mood, and some Bach, of course! And as I mention every year, you do not have to be a Christian to appreciate this. Regardless of your beliefs or non-beliefs, the Passion story remains an incredibly moving story, even taken on strictly human terms, full of betrayal, love, regret, grief, and sacrifice, it is overflowing with rich material to create some of the greatest music.