Organ
Torsten Nilsson: Crucifigatur
This recording was made in 1986 by the Swedish Radio, as part of a live broadcast performance of Nox Angustiae by the Täby Church Chamber Choir under Kerstin Ek. The recording was made with the cooperation of the composer.
Crucifigatur – “Crucify him!” – is part of the suite Septem Improvisationes pro Organo by the Swedish composer Torsten Nilsson (1920-1999), organist, composer and the choir master of Oscar’s Church in Stockholm for about 20 years, where his Good Friday oratorio Nox Angustiae, of which Crucifigatur forms the overture, received its premiere in 1968, achieving cult status during the years to come.
Nox Angustiae – Night of Anguish – which depicts the rage and chaos of the original Good Friday in an expressionist manner, is scored for double chorus, vocal soloists and large organ. To add to the experience, the work was always performed in a darkened church at midnight between Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. The performers read the music by faint blue light, but the rest of the church was in complete darkness except for the projection of a graphical leaflet on the ceiling of the church.
- Peter Bengtson, organ