One of the most sublime excerpts from Maximilian Steinberg’s long lost
Passion Week, op. 13, composed in 1921-1923 and premiered only in 2014, this hymn is the penitent cry of a soul that beholds the splendor of Heaven, but realizes that it is unworthy to enter. The solemn chant melody is sung by the basses over a shimmering texture in the upper voices, depicting the contrast between the heavenly and earthly realm. (The full score of Steinberg’s
Passion Week is available from Musica Russica,
cat. No. St-PW.)
Look Inside
