The woman with the alabaster box (Matthew 26:6-13) – Arvo Pärt

Matthew 26:6-13

⁶ Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,

⁷ There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.

⁸ But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?

⁹ For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.

¹⁰ When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.

¹¹ For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.

¹² For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.

¹³ Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.

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The woman with the alabaster box, composed in 1997 by Arvo Pärt (b. 1935)

Performed by Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Theatre of Voices, Pro Arte Singers and Paul Hillier

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Composed by Arvo Part (1935-). Bible, St Matthew 26, 6-13. World Premiere: in Karlstad Cathedral Karlstad / Sweden by the Erik Westberg Vocal Ensemble. With Standard notation. Duration 7 minutes. Universal Edition #UE031127. Published by Universal Edition (PR.UE031127).