The celebrated ensemble, in their penultimate performance in the Bay Area after 43+years, will perform Joseph Haydn’s Seven Last Words of Christ, the composer’s reflection on Good Friday, interspersed with reflections spoken by Malcolm Clemens Young, Dean of Grace Cathedral, and others.  The reflections were chosen by the Very Rev. Alan William Jones, in whose memory this performance is given.

The Seven Last Words of Christ by Joseph Haydn was commissioned in 1786 for the Good Friday service at Oratorio de la Santa Cueva (Holy Cave Oratory) in Cádiz, Spain. The seven main meditative sections—labelled “sonatas” and all slow—are framed by a slow Introduction and a fast “Earthquake” conclusion, for a total of nine movements. At the request of his publisher, the composer in 1787 produced a version for string quartet: Haydn’s Opus 51. This is the form in which the music is most often heard today.

Event Details

The cathedral will open for seating at 5:30 pm. Enter the cathedral through the door at the top of the Great Steps, facing Taylor Street. The accessible entrance is via the glass doors on Taylor Street, to the left of the parking garage entrance. Turn left down the hallway and follow the signs to the elevator.

About the The Alexander String Quartet

The Alexander String Quartet stands among the world’s premier ensembles, having performed in the major music capitals of five continents. The quartet is a vital artistic presence in its home base of San Francisco, serving since 1989 as Ensemble in Residence of San Francisco Performances. Widely admired for its interpretations of Beethoven, Mozart, and Shostakovich, the quartet’s recordings have won international critical acclaim. Founded in New York City in 1981, the ensemble quickly captured attention, initially winning the Concert Artists Guild Competition in 1982, and then becoming the first American quartet to win the London (now Wigmore) International String Quartet Competition in 1985. The members of the Alexander String Quartet are recipients of honorary degrees from Allegheny College and St. Lawrence University, and Presidential medals from Baruch College (CUNY). Learn more …

Zakarias Grafilo  violin 1
Yuna Lee violin 2
Paul Yarbrough viola
Sandy Wilson  cello

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The Alexander String Quartet: Seven Last Words of Christ 2021