In this video, we bring you a powerful meditation on the present time through a great masterpiece from the past, Joseph Haydn’s “The seven last words of Christ on the Cross”. The music is performed by Maestro Marcello Filotei in collaboration with the Pontifical Sistine Chapel Choir and the ensemble, Ars Ludi, using percussion to depict the chaotic and messy world of today. The title “7” is written numerically so that it can be pronounced universally in all languages. This contemporary rendition of the piece aims to underscore the war, violence, pain, and confusion that people face in today’s world, taking it up to the cross with Jesus Christ. But, this difficulty is also embraced with hope and light, showing us that the world is not just evil and pain, but also beauty and gift. Stay tuned for the broadcast of the video version of “7”, which will be performed in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall at the end of April.

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