Christus (1899 Draeseke), oratorio

Christus <German> / Christ (1899) is cycle of four oratorios by Felix Draeseke (mus. and libr.).

Abstract

“Ein Mysterium in einem Vorspiele und drei Oratorien.” A cycle of oratorios covering the Life of Jesus.

Unlike traditional oratorio, the work contains no narrator, no Evangelist, and no recitative. Instead, a chorus of 150-200 members serves to advance the plot. The solo parts are relatively short and can easily be carried forward by the singers of the choir.

Synopsis

• Vorspiel: Die Geburt des Herrn.
• 1. Erstes Oratorium: Christi Weihe.
• 2. Zweites Oratorium: Christus der Prophet.
• 3. Drittes Oratorium: Tod und Sieg der Herrn

Editions, translations

Composed between 1895 and 1899.

Performance History

Christus was premiered in Berlin in 1912, with Bruno Kittel conducting. Later that same year, Kittel conducted a second full performance in Dresden; these were the work's only full performances in Draeseke's lifetime. In 1990 and 1991 there have been the next two complete performances in Speyer and Heilbronn, which were a joint-venture of Udo-R. Follert in Speyer, and Hermann Rau in Heilbronn. These performances have been recorded and a CD-Edition was published by Bayer Records.

• Christus (1912 Kittel / @1899 Draeseke), Berlin-Dresden production, world premiere (oratorio) (6, 13, 20 February 1912 (Berlin) & (5, 12, 16 May 1912 (Dresden) Bruno Kittel

External links

• Wikipedia.en