Paul Nelson (composer) movement from Nelson's "Two Contrasts for Orchestra," which was written as the 50th anniversary of Arizona's statehood approached, and was performed at Phoenix Union High School February 13, 1962, by the Phoenix Symphony. The program also featured violinist Zino Francescatti performing Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto. Paul Nelson (composer) Paul Nelson "(né" Paul Eugene Nelson; 26 January 1929 Phoenix, Arizona – 11 April 2008 Providence, Rhode Island) was an American musician and composer. His compositions—in all genres except opera—have been performed on four continents. Paul Nelson was born in Phoenix, Arizona on January 26, 1929. He attended public elementary school there, and
Christus. Mysterium in a Prelude and Three Oratorios International Draeseke Society, he played them in the town church of Coburg. Christus is composed of four separate sections: Though the work is composed of three oratorios, it bears more resemblance to Wagner's "Ring Cycle" than to traditional oratorio. Draeseke intended for it to fit into the category of Wagner's "Musikdrama," and in fact he used leitmotif throughout the work. Because of its length, a performance of "Christus" spans three evenings. The work was only performed twice in its entirety and, unlike Wagner's "Ring Cycle", Draeseke preferred that his work be performed in a church. Draeseke wrote in program notes