On November 1, 2024, the New York Choral Society will present Voices of Light, a work by New York native Richard Einhorn, for orchestra, soloists, and chorus. This compelling piece will be paired with the legendary silent film The Passion of Joan of Arc, which chronicles the trial and torment of Joan of Arc in the hours leading up to her execution. Starring the famous Comédie Française actress Renée Falconetti, this recently restored 1928 film, originally censored by the Catholic Church, offers a unique opportunity for both film and music lovers to experience the movie on a large screen at Alice Tully Hall, in partnership with the Mannes Orchestra. This production has been made possible through the generous support of the Martin L. Finkelman Bequest.
Featured Soloists: THE POLYPHONISTS
Edmund Milly, Bass-Baritone
About Voices of Light
Voices of Light is an oratorio by New York native Richard Einhorn, inspired by The Passion of Joan of Arc, the iconic 1928 silent film directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer. The piece uses a libretto based on excerpts from ancient writings, predominantly those of medieval female mystics, including texts directly from Joan of Arc’s accusers and her own responses.
This composition employs a multi-layered musical structure designed to evoke the polyphonic music of Joan’s era, featuring a dramatically slowed-down Gregorian chant overlaid with multiple Texts.
About The Passion of Joan of Arc
The film, The Passion of Joan of Arc, is considered a masterpiece of cinema, known for its stark portrayal of the emotional depth of its protagonist, portrayed by Renée Falconetti in a legendary performance that remains a touchstone of film acting. The film’s visual style, coupled with Einhorn’s moving composition, creates an immersive experience that has captivated audiences worldwide. Influencing directors such as Alfred Hitchcock and Steven Spielberg, (and boasting a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes), this film has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Previously lost to fire and believed destroyed, a perfect copy of the film was discovered and has been meticulously restored, allowing modern audiences to experience Dreyer’s visionary work as it was originally intended.