The Seven Last Words of Our Saviour on the Cross, an orchestral work by Joseph Haydn is so treasured that the Austrian composer of the Classical period had to compose versions especially for the piano, string ensemble and an orchestra, a performance Goa will get to witness this Saturday, October 30 at Museum of Christian Art Chapel of Santa Monica, Old Goa.
Directed by Parvesh Java, he is bringing
the best of the musical world on one stage for the performance as the Stuti
Choral Ensemble, will perform along with renowned pianist Marialena Fernandes
and the Goa String Ensemble, led by Eshvita Menezes with Judyline Fernandes,
Jasiel Peter and Tatiana Kritskaya
The Seven Last Words of Our Saviour on the Cross was
commissioned in 1786 for the Good Friday service at Oratorio de la Santa Cueva
in Cádiz, Spain. Published in 1787 and performed then in Paris, Rome, Berlin
and Vienna, the composer adapted it in 1787 for string quartet, approved a
version for solo piano in the same year, and finally adapted it in 1796 as an
oratorio (with both solo and choral vocal forces).
With over 50 singers, 20 string players and one incredible
pianist, you are in for a powerful rendition of Haydn’s work.
“In our unique arrangement, especially created for Stuti, you
will experience a combination of the four versions, orchestral, choral, string
quartet and solo piano, highlighting the expressive potential of each
individual version. We have a very intensive three days of rehearsal for the
concert with Marialena Fernandes. However, everyone has been practising their
individual pieces and we have been meeting twice a week to practice at my
studio in Porvorim. The key is putting them all together in one performance.
After the last concert in August, we all tied in and decided about this
concert. Besides, the Goa String Ensemble, there will be flute cameo by Nakul
Jogdeo, as there is Haydn’s piece especially written for the flute. The
performance will begin with a short introduction followed by the 60 minutes
performance and a thunderous finale,” says Parvesh Java.
The 54 members of the Stuti Choral Ensemble will perform along
with the 20 string players of the Goa String Ensemble which will comprise of
violin, viola, cello and double bass.
A multi-arranged presentation of ‘Seven Last Words of Christ’
was also the finale at the Monte Music Festival in 2019 which was also directed
by Parvesh Java, featuring Eshivita Menezes and renowned pianist, Marialena
Fernandes. “This is the marvellous piece of work which is brilliantly written
and it is so beautiful that you feel like going back to it everyone. The
performance will always differ as this time it is in a different place and with
a bigger orchestra.
“The responsibility of the piece goes to the creator and there
will be a difference in the interpretation as it will be a different conductor,
different people and a different place. My concentration as a pianist is that I
am the foundation for the ensemble. I am very happy to play with the local
talent and I have been working with them in the past. As a choir, we have to
breathe together,” says Marialena Fernandes, who has been touring India for the
past several days. Her most recent concert was at Noite de Beethoven at Siolim
to celebrate the works of Beethoven.
Speaking about her musical journey with Parvesh, Marialena says,
“Parvesh is doing a great job of bringing everyone together for the concert
with the voices and string quartet. He was a student of mine and when I look at
him, I believe that there is a future for music and I love it.”
The
concert will be held on October 30 at Museum of Christian Art Chapel of Santa
Monica, Old Goa at 6.30 pm. The entry is free for the concert and it will be on
a first-come-first-served basis. The audience is requested to be 6:15 pm for
the 60 minutes duration of the performance.