Arvo Pärt

Tribute To Caesar

Tribute to Caesar and The Woman With the Alabaster Box were both commissioned for the 350th anniversary of the Karlstad Diocese in Sweden in 1997. Both are settings of texts from the Gospel according to Saint Matthew, and, although they stand as separate compositions, the two works do have many musical traits in common. Not the least of these is the contrasting use of chordal passages and mostly stepwise melodic declamation, both familiar elements in Pärt's music, but combined here with a new fluidity of texture and a more idiomatic moulding of choral sonorities. (Paul Hillier)

Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk. And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying: Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men. Tell us therefore, what thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said: Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? Shew me the tribute of money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he saith unto them: Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him: Caesar's. Then saith he unto them: Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's. When they heard these words, they marvelled and left him, and went their way.

the Gospel according to St Matthew, Chapter 22, 15 - 22