Sir Harrison Birtwistle (1934-2022)

The Last Supper (1998 -1999)

dramatic tableau for fourteen solo voices, women's choir and chamber orchestra

electronic work
stage work

  • General information
    • Composition date: 1998 - 1999
    • Duration: 1 h 50 mn
    • Publisher: Boosey & Hawkes
    • Libretto (details, author):

      Robin Blaser

Detailed formation
  • soloists: solo soprano, 2 solo countertenors, 5 solo tenors, 3 solo baritones, solo bass-baritone, 2 solo bass voices
  • women's choir(3 soprano, 3 mezzo-soprano, 3 contralto)
  • 2 flutes (also 2 piccolos, 2 alto flutes), 2 oboes (also 2 English horns), 2 clarinets (also 1 Eb clarinet, 2 bass clarinets, 1 contrabass clarinet), 2 bassoons (also 2 contrabassoons), 2 horns, 2 trumpets, 2 trombones (also 1 bass trumpet, 2 bass trombones), tuba, timpani, 2 percussionists, harp, electronic/MIDI keyboard/synthesizer, accordion, 6 violas, 4 cellos, 3 double basses

Premiere information

  • Date: 18 April 2000
    Location:

    Allemagne, Berlin, Staatsoper


    Performers:

    Martin Duncan : mise en scène, Deutsche Staatsoper Berlin, direction : Daniel Barenboim.

Information on the electronics
Electronic device: sons fixés sur support