My composition must be judged on a consideration of these circumstances. The task of writing seven adagios, each of which was to last about ten minutes, to preserve a connection between them, without wearying the hearers, was none of the lightest, and I soon found that I could not confine myself within the limits of the time prescribed. The music was originally without text, and was printed in that form. It was only at a later period that I was induced to add the text. The Oratorio entitled "The Seven Words of our Redeemer on the Cross," as a complete and, as regards the vocal parts, an entirely new work, was first published by Messrs. Breitkopf and Härtel, of Leipsic. The partiality with which this work has been received by scientific musicians leads me to hope that it will not be without effect on the public at large. Joseph Haydn. Vienna, March 1, 1880. As the various movements are all of the same general tone and character, though varied with all that skill and mastery of instrumental effect for which Haydn was so conspicuous, it is needless to describe each separately. By many of the musicians of his day it was considered one of his most sublime productions; and Bombet declares that Haydn on more than one occasion, when he was asked to which of his works he gave the preference, replied, "The Seven Words." It opens with an adagio for full orchestra, of a very sorrowful but impressive character. Then follow each of the Seven Words, given out in simple chorale form, followed by its chorus, namely:-- I. PATIENCE. "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." _Chorus_: "Lamb of God! Surely Thou hast borne our sorrows." II. THE PENITENT FORGIVEN. "Verily I say unto thee, this day shalt thou be with me in Paradise." _Chorus_: "Lord, have mercy on me after Thy great goodness." III. THE MOURNERS. "Woman, behold thy Son. Son, behold Thy mother." _Chorus_: "Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for Me." IV. DESOLATION. "Eli, Eli, lama sabacthani?" _Chorus_: "O my God, look upon Me." V. THE BITTER CUP. "I thirst." _Chorus_: "He treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath." VI. COMPLETE OBEDIENCE. "It is finished." _Chorus_: "He came down from Heaven." VII. THE GREAT OBLATION. "Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit." _Chorus_: "Into Thy hands, O Lord."