Cristóbal Halffter (1930-2021)

Officium defunctorum (1977 -1978)

for solo choir and high boy's voice, mixed choir and orchestra

  • General information
    • Composition date: 1977 - 1978
    • Duration: 1 h 10 mn
    • Publisher: Universal Edition
    • Commission: Radio France
    • Dedication: Ignacio Ellacuría, S.I.
    • Libretto (details, author):

      texte biblique

Detailed formation
  • soloist: unspecified solo child voice
  • mixed choir(20 soprano, 20 contralto, 20 tenor, 20 bass voice), mixed choir(soprano, contralto, tenor, bass voice)
  • 4 flutes (also 2 piccolos), 4 oboes (also English horn), 4 clarinets (also Eb clarinet, bass clarinet), 4 bassoons (also contrabassoon), 6 horns, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, tuba, 5 percussionists, piano, electric organ, 16 violins, 14 second violins, 12 violas, 10 cellos, 8 double basses

Premiere information

  • Date: 31 January 1979
    Location:

    France, Paris, Grand Auditorium de Radio France


    Performers:

    Chœurs de Radio France ; Orchestre de Radio France ; Cristóbal Halffter, direction