Rubinstein, Anton
Christus (1887-93)
(Christ)
Duration: 180 minutesSacred opera in 7 scenes, with a prologue and an epilogue
Libretto after Heinrich Bulthaupt (G)
Scoring
5S,2A,5T,8Bar,5B (doubled roles possible), minor singing roles; chorus; 2.picc.2.2.2-4.2.3.1-timp.perc-harp-organ-strings
.
Abbreviations (PDF).
Territory
This work is available from Boosey & Hawkes for the world.
Roles
| THE ANGEL OF THE ANNUNCIATION | Soprano |
| A SHEPHERD | Tenor |
| FIRST KING | Baritone |
| SECOND KING | Baritone |
| THIRD KING | Bass |
| JESUS | Tenor |
| MARY, his mother | Contralto |
| SATAN | Bass |
| JOHN THE BAPTIST | Baritone |
| JOHN | Tenor |
| JACOB | Baritone |
| SIMON (PETER) | Bass |
| JUDAS | Baritone |
| The other Apostles | Tenors and Basses |
| A PHARISEE | Bass |
| MARY MAGDALENE | Soprano |
| A MOTHER | Soprano |
| HER SON | Contralto |
| OVERSEER OF THE TEMPLE | Tenor |
| FOUR TRADERS | 2 Tenors, 2 Basses |
| FOUR FEMALE BUYERS | 2 Sopranos, 2 Contraltos |
| TWO MALE BUYERS | Tenor, Bass |
| THREE BOYS | Sopranos, Contraltos |
| CAIAPHAS | Bass |
| A GUARD | Baritone |
| PILATE | Baritone |
| PILATE'S WIFE | Soprano |
| A PRIEST | Tenor |
| AN ANGEL | Soprano |
| ST PAUL | Baritone |
| Shepherds, The Kings' retinues, Guards, Priests, Some women following Jesus, Believers, Angels, Demons, People |
Time and Place
Israel, in Biblical times
Synopsis
Based on a poem by Heinricht Bulthaupt, the opera treats the life of Jesus according to the Bible. The scenes are: Outside the stable at Bethlehem; Jesus arguing with Satan in the desert; Baptism by John; Jesus performing miracles; Jesus's anger in the temple; the Last Supper and Jesus's arrest; the trial before Pilate; the crucifixon (off-stage); St Paul bringing the Gospel into the world.
Moods
Dramatic
Subjects
History, Religion
