Program Notes
The Burning of Servetus details the complex relationship between Michael Servetus, a 16th-century physician, humanist and theologian, and John Calvin, the 16th-century Genevan reformer. Through a series of letters Servetus challenged Calvin’s doctrinal works with his nontrinitarianism doctrine, eventually frustrating Calvin to the point where Calvin sent copies of Servetus’ letters to the Catholic Church to condemn him as a heretic to both Protestants and Catholics.
Servetus managed to escape from prison in Vienne and for some unknown reason traveled to Geneva to attend a service led by Calvin, where he was recognized and imprisoned until his eventual execution at the stake.
The music has sets of motivic ideas associated with both Calvin and Servetus. Calvin’s material mostly manifests itself vertically in chords, while Servetus’ material is horizontal and based on the opening motive found in the first movement. Much of the harmonic direction of this work is based on Psalm 51 from the 1539 Genevan Psalter. The score itself is covered with quotations from Servetus’ and Calvin’s letters, as well as text from Psalm 51.
I. Letters with Calvin
“I neither hate you nor despise you; nor do I wish to persecute you; but I would be as hard as iron when I behold you insulting sound doctrine with so great audacity.” — Calvin (in a letter to Servetus)
II. Christianismi Restitutio
“The whole apostolic church is summoned to the threshold. Once again there is restored knowledge of God, of the faith of Christ our justification, of the regeneration of baptism, and of participation in the Lord’s Supper. With the heavenly kingdom restored to us, the wicked captivity of Babylon has been ended, and the Antichrist with his hosts destroyed.” — Servetus, Title Page of Christianismi Restitutio
III. Capture, Escape, Capture & the Fire in Geneva
“Oh Jesus, Son of the Eternal God, have pity on me!” — Servetus (while being burned at the stake)
IV. Funeral Procession
“Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.” — Psalm 51:14–16