Bach St John Passion

Right from the tempestuous opening chorus, it is immediately clear that Bach wanted to explore the dramatic potential in the story of Christ’s betrayal, arrest, trial and crucifixion.

The drama unfolds mainly through the narrative of the Evangelist’s recitative, but it is punctuated by interjections from other characters in the story and by the vociferous yelling of the mob.

The fast-moving action is checked by occasional arias from the soloists and chorales (hymns) from the chorus which comment upon or force the audience (congregation) to pause and reflect upon the meaning of the dramatic events unfolding before them.

Given that the Passion was commissioned by the Church for Holy Week 1724 and was intended to form part of a service, this element of reflection was central to the work, frequently using familiar Lutheran hymn tunes (here strikingly harmonized) to provide a simple, direct musical style by way of contrast to the intricacies of the beautiful arias.

Once again we are joined by baroque specialists Music for Awhile and a distinguished group of soloists, with renowned tenor Joseph Cornwell as the Evangelist.