Die sieben letzten Worte unseres Erlösers am Kreuze

The seven last words, or rather sentences, that Jesus is said to have uttered during the crucifixion are given special significance in Christianity: they are the last message of Jesus, who uses them to interpret his death on the cross and at the same time gives his disciples final instructions. They became the subject of meditation during Lent and Lent early on. In the 18th century, the Jesuit Alfonso Messia Bedoya developed a form of devotion from these seven words, which consisted of readings and reflections on the seven last words of Jesus and was intended for Good Friday.
We owe Joseph Haydn the best-known setting of the "Seven Last Words of Our Redeemer on the Cross". To this day, Haydn is a great work, because Haydn manages to seize his audience – a contemporary one to today's listeners – to inspire them, to make the different souls vibrate.
In the interpretation of the award-winning string quartet "Pacific Quartet Vienna", Haydn's work continues to gain intensity.
As part of the "Spring Concerts" of the Pacific Quartet Vienna, the "Seven Last Words of Our Redeemer on the Cross" will be performed on Good Friday, April 3, 2026 at 5 p.m. in the Open Church of Sils-Maria. Introduction and reflection by Dr. Niklaus Peter, Zurich, and Rev. Christoph Zingg, Sils-Maria.
The performance is open to the public.