Christus (opera)

the oratorio

Christus is an opera in seven scenes with a prologue and epilogue by Anton Rubinstein, written between the years 1887–1893 to a libretto after a poem by Heinrich Bulthaupt.

Christus was described by its composer as a 'sacred opera'. This is a term invented by Rubinstein, ('geistliche Oper' in German) denoting staged works with 'use of polyphonic choruses and a sober, edifying style relying on ‘exalted declamation’.' Rubinstein composed three other works of this type, Sulamith, Moses and Der Thurm zu Babel (The Tower of Babel). A fifth sacred opera, Cain, was uncompleted at his death. Rubinstein considered Christus to be his finest composition.

Parts of the work were performed in Berlin in April 1894, and Rubinstein conducted a complete performance in Stuttgart on 2 June 1894. This was in fact his last public appearance as a conductor. The work received a further series of complete performances, at Bremen, in 1895. Applause between scenes and after the performance was forbidden. Apparently the work was not revived until a performance in Tyumen in 2002, conducted by the composer's great grandson, Anton Sharoyev. This was also therefore the work's first performance in Russia. A recording of part of the work was made from live performances under Sharoyev in St. Petersburg in 2003.

RoleVoice typePremiere Cast, 2 June 1894(Conductor:Anton Rubinstein )Angel of the annunciation sopranoJesus Christtenor Raimund von zur MühlenSatan bassJohn the BaptistbaritoneThe Virgin Marycontralto Pontius PilatebaritoneJudas IscariotbaritoneMary MagdalenesopranoChorus: mob, angels, demons, priests etc.