Haydn: The Seven Words [IMPORT]

Franz Joseph Haydn (Composer, Orchestra), Rosamunde Quartett (Performer, Composer), Joseph Haydn (Artist)

Product Details

• Performer: Rosamunde Quartett
• Orchestra: Franz Joseph Haydn
• Composer: Franz Joseph Haydn, Rosamunde Quartett
• Audio CD (June 19, 2001)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Ecm Import
• ASIN: B00005AX5V
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #366,953 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
On this recording of The Seven Words, the Rosamunde String Quartet offers a compelling rendition of one of Haydn's most complex compositions. The Seven Words was originally composed for a full orchestra as a series of seven adagios, which were meant to be interludes during a congregation's meditations on the last seven words of Christ on the Cross. Haydn struggled with a way to compose seven connected pieces of music that were solemn and yet varied enough to keep the listener from getting bored. The members of the Rosamunde Quartet are technically brilliant as they demonstrate the composer's solutions to this musical puzzle. Even though the tempo is slow, they never let the music become ponderous or oppressive. But to Haydn, The Seven Words was more than just an aural conundrum. He felt the composition was perhaps his most sacred work, and the quartet plays this music with reverence for the composer's spiritual intentions. This is a profound piece of music, and the Rosamunde does it justice on each of its many levels. --Michael Simmons

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Played with Dignity and Respect, July 19, 2009

By	Karl W. Nehring (Ostrander, OH USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The full title of Haydn's composition is usually given as The Seven Last Words of Jesus Christ from the Cross. The shorter version above is given on the back cover; the front cover and spine feature the even more truncated (and secularized) The Seven Words. (Note that "words" would be better translated as "sayings" or "utterances.") There are several recordings available of this piece arranged for chamber orchestra, but you can see from the header above, this arrangement is for string quartet. The Rosamunde Quartet plays the piece with dignity and respect. Perhaps some listeners would crave more overt drama, but I find their reflective approach most enjoyable. The sound quality is warm and comfortable, and the liner notes are interesting and informative. This is a truly excellent release.