[Classical] Masterpieces of oratorios. Recommended classical music.

Paradise and PellyRobert Schumann

Schumann: Das Paradies und die Peri ∙ hr-Sinfonieorchester ∙ Philippe Herreweghe

This is an oratorio by the German composer Robert Schumann, famous for “Träumerei.” While oratorios often take Christian themes, this one is set in the Persian world.

Its story follows a child of the Peri tribe, who, having been cast out of paradise for sin, seeks an offering that will allow reentry into paradise.

The premiere took place on December 4, 1843, at the Gewandhaus in Leipzig, conducted by Schumann himself, and it was a great success.

Felix Mendelssohn, a contemporary composer, also sent Schumann words of praise for this work.

Christ on the Mount of OlivesLudwig van Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven: Christ on the Mount of Olives, Op. 85 – Christus am Ölberge (FULL ORATORIO)

This is an oratorio by Germany’s universally known musical titan, Ludwig van Beethoven.

Yet it is rarely performed and remains little known.

The work portrays Christ’s prayer on the Mount of Olives and his subsequent arrest; it was composed in 1803 and premiered in Vienna.

At the same concert of Beethoven’s own works, what would later become his landmark pieces—the First and Second Symphonies and the Third Piano Concerto—also received their premieres.

At the time, however, it was this oratorio that achieved success.

When it was revived in 1825, Beethoven’s conversation books note that each revival played to full houses, indicating how warmly it was received by contemporary audiences.

It is an oratorio I recommend, offering insight into Beethoven’s tastes and the trends among listeners of his day.

NagasakiAlfred Schnittke

Alfred Schnittke `NAGASAKI` OP. 19

This is an oratorio composed by Alfred Garrievich Schnittke, a Soviet composer of German-Jewish descent, as his graduation project at the Moscow Conservatory.

The work takes the atomic bombing of Nagasaki as its motif, and uses texts rendered into Russian from Tōson Shimazaki’s “Morning” and Eisaku Yoneda’s “River, Forever Beautiful.” In Japanese, an oratorio is called “seitankyoku” and is often associated with sacred music; however, because this work is based on an event that occurred in Japan, it stands out as an unconventional oratorio.

Although it was highly praised by the Russian composer Georgy Sviridov, it was not recognized by the Composers’ Union, and despite being composed in 1958, it was not performed until 2006.

Its atmosphere is also close to incidental music, so please approach it from a perspective different from that of other oratorios.

The Dream of GerontiusEdward Elgar

Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius [Barbirolli] Janet Baker, Richard Lewis, Kim Borg

This is an oratorio composed by the British composer Edward Elgar, famous for orchestral works such as Pomp and Circumstance and Salut d’Amour.

It is also rendered as The Dream of Gerontius, and was inspired by the long poem The Dream of Gerontius, which Elgar received from a cardinal when he married at the age of 32.

While many of Elgar’s orchestral works—epitomized by Pomp and Circumstance—are notably strict and brisk, this oratorio is grand and romantic.

At its premiere, audiences had expected a Handelian oratorio, and many were surprised by Elgar’s new approach.

However, some critics, including Bernard Shaw, recognized The Dream of Gerontius as a masterpiece, praising its mystery and lyricism, effective choral writing, vivid musical imagery, and noble spirituality.

The Book of the Seven SealsFranz Schmidt

Franz Schmidt, Das Buch mit 7 Siegeln, “Gnade sei mit euch” – Stig Fogh Andersen 1998

This oratorio was composed in 1938 by the Austrian composer Franz Schmidt.

Using a text inspired by the New Testament’s Book of Revelation, it weaves elements of Gregorian chant and Bach’s sacred music together with modern sonorities, leaving a powerful impression with its grand style.

Judgment of SolomonMarc-Antoine Charpentier

MA Charpentier | H422 Judicium Salomonis – complete

During the Baroque era, the French composer Charpentier, a leading figure of his country, wrote a great deal of sacred music.

In his youth, he studied in Rome and brought the oratorio back to France.

He composed more than 30 oratorios, among which Judgment of Solomon is one of the most representative.

Passion OratorioCarl Heinrich Graun

CH Graun | Große Passion “Kommt her und schaut” – 1

A Passion oratorio composed by the German Baroque composer Graun.

Although it is rarely performed in Japan, in Germany it is a well-loved piece frequently heard at Good Friday masses and concerts in the lead-up to Easter, the day commemorating Jesus’s execution.