Paweł Łukaszewski's "Via Crucis" is a profound and deeply spiritual choral work that invites listeners into a contemplative journey through the Stations of the Cross. Completed in 2000 and released in 2009, this album is a testament to Łukaszewski's mastery of both choral and orchestral composition. The work is performed by the renowned Polyphony choir, conducted by Stephen Layton, with the Britten Sinfonia providing orchestral accompaniment.
The album spans 55 minutes and comprises 31 tracks, each corresponding to a specific station in the Via Crucis, from the introduction to the final chorus, "Christus vincit." Łukaszewski's composition is notable for its vivid musical portrayal of Christ's journey, capturing the solemnity and reverence of each station with intricate detail and profound depth. The work is a rare occurrence in modern music, offering a prayerful and deliberately religious experience that resonates with both Catholic traditions and broader spiritual themes.
"Via Crucis" is a powerful exploration of faith and redemption, showcasing Łukaszewski's ability to blend complex musical forces with a deep sense of spirituality. The album is a significant addition to the choral genre, highlighting the composer's skill in creating a cohesive and impactful musical narrative. Whether you are a fan of choral music or seeking a contemplative listening experience, "Via Crucis" offers a rich and immersive journey through one of the most sacred narratives in Christian tradition.
Via Crucis: Introduction: Chorus. Via CrucisPaweł Łukaszewski, Stephen Layton, Polyphony, Britten Sinfonia
Via Crucis: Station 1: Jesus Is Condemned to DeathPaweł Łukaszewski, Britten Sinfonia, Polyphony, Stephen Layton
Via Crucis: Station 1: Universa turbaPaweł Łukaszewski, Allan Clayton, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, Roger Allam, Iestyn Davies, Polyphony
Via Crucis: Station 2: Jesus Takes Up the CrossPaweł Łukaszewski, Polyphony, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton
Via Crucis: Station 2: Dicebat autem Jesus ad omnesPaweł Łukaszewski, Polyphony, Britten Sinfonia, Andrew Foster-Williams, Roger Allam, Stephen Layton
Via Crucis: Station 3: Jesus Falls the First TimePaweł Łukaszewski, Polyphony, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton
Via Crucis: Station 3: Quis credidit auditui nostro?Paweł Łukaszewski, Britten Sinfonia, Polyphony, Stephen Layton
Via Crucis: Station 4: Jesus Meets His Blessed MotherPaweł Łukaszewski, Polyphony, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton
Via Crucis: Station 4: Senex Simeon prophetizansPaweł Łukaszewski, Allan Clayton, Britten Sinfonia, Polyphony, Roger Allam, Stephen Layton
Via Crucis: Station 5: Simon of Cyrene Helps Jesus Carry the CrossPaweł Łukaszewski, Britten Sinfonia, Polyphony, Stephen Layton
Via Crucis: Station 5: Exeuntes autem inveneruntPaweł Łukaszewski, Stephen Layton, Britten Sinfonia, Iestyn Davies, Polyphony
Via Crucis: Station 6: Veronica Wipes the Face of JesusPaweł Łukaszewski, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, Polyphony
Via Crucis: Station 6: Auferet Dominus Deus lacrymamPaweł Łukaszewski, Stephen Layton, Allan Clayton, Polyphony, Iestyn Davies, Britten Sinfonia
Via Crucis: Station 7: Jesus Falls the Second TimePaweł Łukaszewski, Polyphony, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton
Via Crucis: Station 7: Vere languores nostros ipse tulitPaweł Łukaszewski, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, Polyphony
Via Crucis: Station 8: The Women of Jerusalem Weep for JesusPaweł Łukaszewski, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, Polyphony
Via Crucis: Station 8: Sequebatur autem illum multa turbaPaweł Łukaszewski, Andrew Foster-Williams, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, Polyphony, Roger Allam, Iestyn Davies
Via Crucis: Station 9: Jesus Falls the Third TimePaweł Łukaszewski, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, Polyphony
Via Crucis: Station 9: Omnes nos quasi oves erravimusPaweł Łukaszewski, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, Polyphony
Via Crucis: Station 10: Jesus Is Stripped of His ClothesPaweł Łukaszewski, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, Polyphony
Via Crucis: Station 10: Milites ergo cum crucifixissent eumPaweł Łukaszewski, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, Polyphony
Via Crucis: Station 11: Jesus Is Nailed to the CrossPaweł Łukaszewski, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, Polyphony
Via Crucis: Station 11: Et perducunt illum Golgotha locumPaweł Łukaszewski, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, Polyphony
Via Crucis: Station 12: Jesus Dies on the CrossPaweł Łukaszewski, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, Polyphony
Via Crucis: Station 12: Stabat autem iuxta crucem Jesu materPaweł Łukaszewski, Andrew Foster-Williams, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, Polyphony, Roger Allam, Iestyn Davies
Via Crucis: Station 13: Jesus Is Taken Down from the CrossPaweł Łukaszewski, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, Polyphony
Via Crucis: Station 13: Judaei ergoPaweł Łukaszewski, Allan Clayton, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, Polyphony, Iestyn Davies
Via Crucis: Station 14: Jesus Is Laid in the TombPaweł Łukaszewski, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, Polyphony
Via Crucis: Station 14: Post haec autem rogavit Pilatum JosephPaweł Łukaszewski, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, Roger Allam
Via Crucis: Station 15: The ResurrectionPaweł Łukaszewski, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, Polyphony
Via Crucis: Final Chorus. Christus vincitPaweł Łukaszewski, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, Polyphony