SATBdiv.

NOTE FROM THE COMPOSER

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This is a character study of Judas – a historical figure with motivations, personality, and choices that lead to his demise. This is not a “sacred work” per se, even though it has obvious connections to the figure of Jesus. In the poem, Josef Weinheber “explains” why Judas felt forced to betray Jesus –  “I was just fulfilling the scriptures. He [Jesus] urged me to do it, so I had to go. [When the soldiers came], I kissed him. They seized him and dragged Jesus off.  He died for you on the cross, and as for me – I went out and hanged myself.” Du bitter Reue, Scham und Gram! [“You bitter regret, shame, and sorrow!] Sadly, Weinheber, like the fate of Judas, committed suicide in 1945, following a very troubled life.