Last Words

Last Words

Kyle Pederson (2022)

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Voicing: SATB divisi
Accompaniment:  a cappella
Text: various New Testament scripture passages

Why have you, God, forsaken me? 
Mark 15:34

Father, forgive. They know not what they do.
Luke 23:34

Today you will be with me in paradise.
Luke 23:43

Woman, behold your son. 
John 19:26

I thirst.
John 19:28

Into your hands I commend my spirit. 
Luke 23:46

It is finished. 
John 19:30

Composer Note
Spread among the three Gospel crucifixion stories are seven evocative statements by Jesus, collectively known as the Seven Last Words of Christ.  In this piece, these are set using a blend of English and Latin text--the combination designed to evoke a sense of timelessness. The use of an octet within the larger choir represents the personal, intimate nature of these utterances. Harmonically, the piece seeks to capture the inherent tension and drama of the story as told in the Gospels.

Performance Note:
It is preferred that the members of the octet sing all the parts (not just the octet sections).  This promotes the feeling that the octet emerges from the larger choir and integrates back into it--rather than being two separate choirs.  For this reason, it is preferred that members of the octet not stand separately from the larger choir--but are positioned within the larger ensemble.   Tempo can ebb and flow throughout; aim for pacing that sounds neither rushed, nor plodding.