Joachim Raff (1822–1882) World's End – Judgement – New World Op. 212
Oratorio on Words from the Holy Scriptures in 3 Parts [solos,mix ch,orch] Duration: 120' Text: Bibel / Bible
solos: SBar – choir: SATB – 3(3picc).2.2.2 – 4.2.3.1 – timp.perc(2) – str
Joachim Raff's “World’s End – Judgement – New World” op. 212 stands between Liszt and Schönberg in the tradition of the great oratorios and occupies an important place in the history of music. The doomsday theme fits in with the fin de siècle mood of the time of its composition. The compositional texture can be interpreted programmatically, not least through the mediating lyrics, and is characterized by an extraordinarily skillful orchestration.
