St Matthew Passion BWV 244: A Masterpiece of Baroque Oratorio by Johann Sebastian Bach

The St Matthew Passion BWV 244, composed by Johann Sebastian Bach in 1727, is a monumental work that stands as one of the greatest achievements of Baroque oratorio. It is a profound and moving setting of the Gospel of Matthew's account of the Passion of Christ, which tells the story of Jesus's arrest, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection. The St Matthew Passion is a captivating musical journey that invites listeners to reflect on the profound significance of Christ's suffering and its redemptive power.

St Matthew Passion: BWV 244 (Eulenburg Studienpartituren)

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Language	:	English
File size	:	30743 KB
Print length	:	352 pages

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History and Context

Bach, a devout Lutheran, wrote the St Matthew Passion for performance on Good Friday, the day commemorating the death of Jesus Christ. The libretto, compiled by Picander (Christian Friedrich Henrici),is based on the Passion story as narrated in the Gospel of Matthew. Bach had previously composed a shorter Passion setting, the St John Passion BWV 245, in 1724. However, the St Matthew Passion is on a grander scale and is considered Bach's definitive setting of the Passion text.

Structure and Musical Features

The St Matthew Passion is a large-scale work consisting of two parts, each divided into sections. It is scored for double choir, soloists, and a full orchestra. The work opens with an instrumental "Sinfonia" that sets the somber and dramatic tone. The narration of the Passion story is handled by the Evangelist, who sings the Gospel text in a recitative style. The story is interspersed with arias and choruses that comment on or reflect on the events.

The chorus plays a vital role in the St Matthew Passion, providing powerful commentary on the action. Notable choruses include "O Mensch, bewein' dein' Sünde gross" ("O mortal, weep thy grievous sin"),"Sind Blitze, sind Donner in Wolken verschwunden?" ("Has lightning ceased, has thunder faded away in the clouds?"),and "Wir setzen uns mit Tränen nieder" ("We sit down with tears").

Arias and Solos

The St Matthew Passion features a wealth of beautiful and expressive arias and solos. The arias are sung by characters in the story, such as Jesus, Judas, Peter, and Mary Magdalene. Each aria is a musical exploration of the character's emotions or reflections on the events unfolding.

Some of the most famous arias in the St Matthew Passion include "Erbarme dich, mein Gott" ("Have mercy, my God") sung by Jesus, "Buss' und Reu'" ("Contrition and repentance") sung by Peter, and "Aus Liebe will mein Heiland sterben" ("Out of love, my Savior wishes to die") sung by Mary Magdalene.

Legacy and Impact

The St Matthew Passion has had a profound impact on Western music and culture. It is regarded as one of Bach's greatest masterpieces and is considered one of the most important works in the Baroque oratorio tradition. The work has been performed and recorded countless times throughout history, and it continues to be a central part of the repertoire for choirs and orchestras.

The St Matthew Passion has also inspired numerous other works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and films. Its powerful and moving music has the ability to connect with audiences on an emotional and spiritual level, transcending time and culture.

Eulenburg Studienpartituren

Eulenburg Studienpartituren is a renowned publisher of high-quality musical scores. Their edition of the St Matthew Passion BWV 244 is widely regarded as one of the best available. It features a clear and accurate musical text, along with extensive editorial notes and commentary. This edition is an invaluable resource for students, performers, and scholars of Bach's music.

The St Matthew Passion BWV 244 by Johann Sebastian Bach is a towering masterpiece of Baroque oratorio. It is a work of profound beauty, emotional depth, and musical genius. Through its vivid storytelling, powerful choruses, and expressive arias, the St Matthew Passion invites us to reflect on the sacrifice and redemption of Christ. It is a work that continues to inspire and move audiences centuries after its composition.