The Crucifixion

"The Crucifixion" is the fifth song of Samuel Barber's song cycle Hermit Songs. The cycle was composed in 1953 and published in 1954. The premiere was sung by soprano Leontyne Price.

The poem is a translation of a text by an anonymous Irish monk who lived sometime between the 8th and 13th centuries. The English translation used by Barber is by Howard Mumford Jones.

Date: 1954Composer: Samuel BarberText: Anonymous, Howard Mumford JonesSong Collection: Hermit Songs, Op. 29

Print vitals & song text

Text

The Crucifixion

At the cry of the first bird
They began to crucify Thee, O Swan!
Never shall lament cease because of that.
It was like the parting of day from night.
Ah, sore was the suffering borne
By the body of Mary’s Son,
But sorer still to Him was the grief
Which for His sake
Came upon His Mother.

Sheet Music

Samuel Barber: 65 Songs (G. Schirmer, medium-low voice)

Composer(s): Samuel Barber

Voice Type: Medium/Low

Buy via Music Sales Classical

Samuel Barber: 65 Songs (G. Schirmer, high voice)

Composer(s): Samuel Barber

Voice Type: High

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