The Seven Last Words of Our Saviour on the Cross
Paul Goodwin & MACV

The Evangelists recount seven statements of Jesus as He was dying on the Cross (commonly referred to as the “Seven Last Words”):

1. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing”;
2. “Truly, I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise”;
3. “Woman, behold your son. Behold your mother”;
4. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”;
5. “I thirst”;
6. “It is finished!”;
7. “Father, into Your hands I commend my spirit”.

These words, of great significance to Christians, have often been the subject of theological reflections, homilies, and – most relevant to our interest – musical compositions. Joseph Haydn composed The Seven Last Words (Hob. XX/1A) in 1786, using a full symphony orchestra. The oratorio “The Seven Last Words of Our Saviour on the Cross” takes the form of seven instrumental sonatas, preceded by an introduction and culminating in the dramatic Il Terremoto (depicting the earthquake and resurrection). Each sonata is introduced by a passage from the Gospel – the very words spoken by Christ before His death.

First performed in Cádiz on Good Friday in 1787, the composition was well received, leading to further adaptations: a vocal version, a string quartet version and a piano version. Haydn himself recalled the premiere years later: “The walls, windows, and columns of the cathedral were draped in black cloth, and a great lamp hung in the centre, illuminating the mystical darkness. At midnight, the cathedral doors were closed, and the orchestra began to play. The bishop stepped to the pulpit, spoke the first phrase with commentary, then fell to his knees before the altar in deep contemplation. He rose and knelt again seven times, each time after delivering his commentary, and each time the orchestra played. My composition must be judged in this context. The challenge of creating seven movements, each lasting ten minutes, without wearying the listeners, was not simple. I soon realized that I had not maintained the intended duration”.

The oratorio The Seven Last Words is one of Haydn’s most deeply spiritual compositions, regarded as an expression of his profound faith in God. For some, it serves as a means of experiencing the mystery of Christ’s Passion; for others, it demonstrates the grandeur and universality of sacred music. It is also worth noting that the priest who commissioned the work paid Haydn in an unusual way: by sending him a cake filled with… gold coins.