Verba Ultima

Composer’s note
Verba Ultima is a choral mini-drama portraying the intense, chaotic emotions of the crucifixion. Thus the text includes not only the last words of Christ, but elements that move the action along: the words of the crowd as it turns into a bloodthirsty, taunting mob; the statements of the two thieves, one despairing, one hopeful; and the austere narrative passage “erat autem fere hora sexta”. The crowd sections often build to climaxes which are interrupted by the soprano saxophone and the tenor section, who for the most part share the role of Christ. The saxophone also intensifies the emotion of the crowd, occasionally supporting and doubling the voice parts.

Premiered April 1, 2008
by the Dale Warland Singers
with Richard Dirlam, soprano saxophone
at the Basilica of Saint Mary
Minneapolis, MN