Crucifixion

Lina Tonia's oratorio Crucifixion is based on the most dramatic event in the history of Christianity. Both the approach, based on the symbolisms it imparted to the world over the centuries, as well as the existent contrasting meanings generated by the event itself, are elements woven into the composer's music. The transcendental element is prominent as it originates in a great opposition that defines being: the existence of man and God inside the same body. This oppositional concept foreshadows the struggle within us to contain both forms as well as the realisation that both are as permanent as they are temporary. Two opposing forces, spirit and matter, in which human existence vibrates in order to fulfil its presence, strengths, weaknesses and senses over time. The elements of transcendence and contrast are amplified through contemporary techniques, creating a sonic canvas that moves between two worlds and the thread that connects or separates them. Static textures with dissonant clusters contrasted with pointillist, impetuous textures with a powerful rhythmic and asymmetrical character within improvisational patterns convey the endless struggle of the two worlds of matter and spirit.

Programme

Lina Tonia
Crucifixion [Stavrosi, 2024]
Oratorio for narrator, percussion and string quartet
Libretto, text compilation: Lina Tonia
I. The commandment of Love
II. The last farewell
III. The betrayal
IV. The trial
V. The crucifixion

Lina Tonia

Born in Greece. Her work list includes more than 150 compositions performed in Paris, Vienna, London, New York, Boston, Moscow, Weimar, Berlin, Edinburgh, Zagreb, etc. She has been awarded prizes in several international composition competitions. She was awarded the title Composer of the Year 2020 at the New York World Music Awards 2020. She was awarded from the Greek National Opera in Athens, for her opera The Expelled, and the same year from the Vienna University and Kunsthaus Muerz, for her work Kivos for 12 violoncellos. Her solo work Neuma for viola was awarded the Sempre più Editions' Prize in Paris. Her opera Fear &(s) the Love was performed and awarded at the Music Biennale of Zagreb. Her string quartet ENNEA was premiered by the Arditti Quartet at the Mozart Hall in the Vienna Concert House. Her orchestral piece Squall was performed at the Music Biennale of Zagreb by the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra. Her orchestral piece Butterfly Effect was recorded by the Radio France Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Pierre Andre Valade, in Paris. She studied composition at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She completed a PhD in composition at Edinburgh University and continued to a master's degree in composition with Michael Jarrell at the University of Vienna. She is teaching Composition at the Department of Music Sciences and Art at the University of Macedonia.