Frank Martin, the devout Christian composer from Geneva who passed away 50 years ago, left behind numerous vocal works, notably the Six Monologues of Jedermann – a window into his profoundly expressive art. His poems evoke life’s fragility and the deceptive allure of wealth. Jedermann (“everyone” according to Hugo von Hofmannsthal), abandoned by his loved ones and dying amid his treasures, facing death alone, can only find salvation through faith. A very similar sentiment guided Joseph Haydn’s mind when composing his extraordinary The Seven Last Words of Our Saviour on the Cross in which seven adagios are framed within a prelude and a gripping earthquake. Initially written for orchestra, this work gained such acclaim that Haydn adapted it for different ensembles, from string quartets to oratorios.
Jonathan Nott conductor
Sonya Yoncheva soprano
Dmitry Korchak tenor
Waltzes, overtures, intermezzi and opera arias
- Theater
Orchestre de la Suisse Romande „New Year’s concert“
Frank Martin, the devout Christian composer from Geneva who passed away 50 years ago, left behind numerous vocal works, notably the Six Monologues of Jedermann – a window into his profoundly expressive art. His poems evoke life’s fragility and the deceptive allure of wealth. Jedermann (“everyone” according to Hugo von Hofmannsthal), abandoned by his loved ones and dying amid his treasures, facing death alone, can only find salvation through faith. A very similar sentiment guided Joseph Haydn’s mind when composing his extraordinary The Seven Last Words of Our Saviour on the Cross in which seven adagios are framed within a prelude and a gripping earthquake. Initially written for orchestra, this work gained such acclaim that Haydn adapted it for different ensembles, from string quartets to oratorios.
Jonathan Nott conductor
Sonya Yoncheva soprano
Dmitry Korchak tenor
Waltzes, overtures, intermezzi and opera arias