The Seven Last Words of Christ

Using several versions of the original work as inspiration, Zack Stachowski has arranged The Seven Last Words of Christ for solo instrument and piano, making Haydn's music accessible to music ministers who may not have access to larger instrumental ensembles. These prayerful meditations can be used as preludes, as music for reflection, or in ritual when singing is not permitted. Though the pieces are inspired by the Seven Last Words from the Cross and find their most obvious fit in the season of Lent and Holy Week, the diversity of color and character makes them suitable on other occasions throughout the entire year. Since these arrangements were envisioned as liturgy preludes or as instrumental pieces during ritual, Haydn’s original prelude and earthquake movements have been excluded due to their overtly dramatic and performative nature.