Heinrich Kaminski
Passion
Short instrumentation: 2 0 0 2 - 1 2 0 0 - Pedalharmonium, perc, hp, str
Duration: 30'
Klavierauszug von: Ernst Schiffmann
Text von: Arnoul Gréban
Choir: SATB
Solos:
soprano
tenor
Instrumentation details:
1st flute (+picc)
2nd flute (+picc)
1st bassoon
2nd bassoon
horn in F
1st trumpet in F, B, D
2nd trumpet in F, B, D
percussion
harp
Pedalharmonium
violin I
violin II
viola
violoncello
double bass
Kaminski - Passion for soprano, tenor, mixed choir and orchestra
Work introduction
Kaminski’s work is a setting of Gréban’s Mystère de la Passion (1452), which dramatically treats scenes from Jesus’ life, from the Last Supper to the Crucifixion. Along with the soprano and the tenor, a string trio is also prominent in soloist moments. Kaminski was the son of a former Catholic priest; as such, all of his music was religious in a certain sense. It also harbours a dramatic aspect, even if he did compose only two operas. Critics of the Passion mention powerful climaxes and an uncanny obsession with ancient minstrelsy.