In monte Oliveti
I wrote this piece in 2019 for my newly founded choir, the Mörth Singers.
The text describes Jesus' inner struggle as he begs God not to let him endure the impending suffering. At the same time, however, Jesus surrenders to God's will and shows himself willing to accept the suffering, if God so wishes.
Accordingly, the music is characterized by many pleading suspensions and dissonances, revealing an inner despair that briefly erupts before giving way to resignation at the line "Thy will be done."
In monte Oliveti:
In monte Oliveti oravit ad Patrem:
Pater, si fieri potest, transeat a me calix iste:
Spiritus quidem promptus est, caro autem infirma.
Fiat voluntas tua.
Translation:
On the Mount of Olives, he prayed to the Father:
Father, if it be possible, let this chalice pass from me:
The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Thy will be done.
Choir: SATB
Length: 4 min
Mörth Singers, conductor: Julian Mörth, 2019