Good Friday Oratorio: Seven Last Words of Christ

At 4.00pm on Good Friday, the St Jude’s Singers, will present The Seven Last Words of Christ by the French Romantic composer and organist Théodore Dubois.

Composed in 1867 for the great Paris church of Saint Clotilde, where Dubois served as Maître de Chapelle (choir director), this deeply reflective work has resonated with congregations for over a century. In the twentieth century it became especially beloved at Second Presbyterian Church in Chicago, which has held an annual Good Friday performance since 1936—a testament to its lasting spiritual and musical power.

The oratorio unfolds in nine movements: one each for Christ’s seven words from the cross with an introductory movement and concluding prayer. It depicts the spiritually moving scenes of the crucifixion presented in musical composition; the angry crowds, the anguish of Jesus’ mother, the thief on the cross, and Christ’s suffering and death on the cross.

Whether you are familiar with classical music or entirely new to it, this Good Friday oratorio offers a profound and accessible way to reflect on the meaning of the day through music of great beauty and depth.