Texts from the Book of Maccabees
The oratorio portrays the despair of the people of Israel over the destruction of their land and the injustice inflicted upon them. It tells of their pleas for a saviour and the hope awakened in them by Judas Maccabeus. It follows their journey into seemingly hopeless battles against an overwhelmingly powerful enemy, through defeats and victories, and finally to the rededication of the Temple.
The male soloist takes on the role of Judas Maccabeus, while the female soloist gives voice to thoughts of peace, love and hope.
In this work, composed in 1990, the two Danish composers combine Baroque compositional techniques with modern rhythms and harmonies in an unusual way. Their songs incorporate elements of jazz, pop and rock as well as classical music.
Erling Kullberg and Jens Johansen deliberately draw inspiration from Handel’s oratorio Judas Maccabaeus. This is particularly evident in Handel’s famous chorus “See, the Conquering Hero Comes”, which they reinterpret with modern rhythms in their work Eversmiling Liberty.
Performers
Youth Choir of Salzburg Cathedral and band
Piano: Alexander Steinbacher
Musical director: Gerrit Stadlbauer
Venue
Parish Church of Großgmain
Admission free
