Haydn divided it into two parts, and added choruses and Solos, in which form it was given for the first time at Eisenstadt in October, 1797, and published in 1801. The "Seven Words" was a special favourite of the composer himself, who indeed is declared by some to have preferred it to all his other compositions.
"Haydn"
J. Cuthbert Hadden
But in the same despairing and headstrong melody the tempest raged again, drowned with its waves the half-seen shores of heaven, and the Solos continued, discouraged, interrupted by the recurrent weeping of the choir, giving, with the diversity of voices, a body to the special conditions of shame, the particular states of fear, the different ages of tears.
"En Route"
J.-K. (Joris-Karl) Huysmans
I guarantee you in the name of the Lord an assistance such as you have never had;" and he went on with a laugh, "I may add that the Church will take pleasure in receiving you, she will bring out her ornaments which she has now left off: the authentic liturgies of the Middle Ages, true plain chant, without Solos or organs."
"En Route"
J.-K. (Joris-Karl) Huysmans