The Last Judgment is a through-composed symphonic tableau that follows the structure of the text of Matthew 25 : 31-46 underlining it in a figuralistic manner. Other scriptural references are also to be found: an image of the sun that turns dark (Acts of the Apostles 2: 20) and before the gathering of the nations twelve chords representing the thrones for the judgment of the twelve tribes of Israel (Matthew 19: 28). The thematic material combines original figures with Gregorian chant: the Gloria from the Missa de Angelis; the Alleluia of the Epiphany; Dies irae the sequence fromthe Requiem Mass; In paradisum the burial antiphon. The sections in recitative style follow the declamatory rhythm of the corresponding verses in Arabic the composer’s mother tongue. Finally the registration requires a symphonic style organ such as the Goll organ in Memmingen Germany at which the composer prepared the orchestral expression of this work.
