10.2 The Passions of J.S. Bach

Bach's Passions are monumental works that bring the story of Christ's suffering to life through music. These compositions blend biblical narratives with Lutheran theology, using chorales, arias, and recitatives to create a powerful emotional journey.

The St. Matthew and St. John Passions share similarities in structure but differ in scale and focus. Both works showcase Bach's mastery of counterpoint and orchestration, creating a rich musical tapestry that explores themes of redemption, faith, and the human experience.

The Passions of J.S. Bach

St. Matthew vs St. John Passion

Top images from around the web for St. Matthew vs St. John Passion

• 

  Johannespassion, BWV 245 (Bach, Johann Sebastian) - IMSLP: Free Sheet Music PDF Download View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Bach -Matthaus-Passion St.Matthew Saint-Matthieu BWV244-Vo… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Matthäuspassion, BWV 244 (Bach, Johann Sebastian) - IMSLP: Free Sheet Music PDF Download View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Johannespassion, BWV 245 (Bach, Johann Sebastian) - IMSLP: Free Sheet Music PDF Download View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Bach -Matthaus-Passion St.Matthew Saint-Matthieu BWV244-Vo… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for St. Matthew vs St. John Passion

• 

  Johannespassion, BWV 245 (Bach, Johann Sebastian) - IMSLP: Free Sheet Music PDF Download View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Bach -Matthaus-Passion St.Matthew Saint-Matthieu BWV244-Vo… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Matthäuspassion, BWV 244 (Bach, Johann Sebastian) - IMSLP: Free Sheet Music PDF Download View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Johannespassion, BWV 245 (Bach, Johann Sebastian) - IMSLP: Free Sheet Music PDF Download View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Bach -Matthaus-Passion St.Matthew Saint-Matthieu BWV244-Vo… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Similarities
  • Depict the Passion story of Christ's suffering and death as told in the Gospels
  • Combine recitatives, arias, and choruses to convey the narrative and emotional content
  • Incorporate chorales based on familiar Lutheran hymn tunes for congregational reflection
  • Employ double choir and double orchestra for a rich, layered sound (St. Matthew Passion)
• Differences
  • St. Matthew Passion has a longer duration and more expansive musical architecture compared to St. John Passion
  • St. Matthew Passion utilizes a larger ensemble and more intricate musical structure to explore the story's complexity
  • St. John Passion emphasizes the narrative aspects of the Passion story, moving the plot forward more directly
  • St. Matthew Passion devotes more time to reflective arias and choruses, encouraging contemplation on the story's meaning

Biblical narratives in Bach's Passions

• Biblical narratives
  • Draws from the Passion story as recounted in the Gospels of Matthew and John in the New Testament
  • Depicts key events such as Christ's betrayal by Judas, trial before Pontius Pilate, crucifixion at Golgotha, and death on the cross
• Theological themes
  • Emphasizes the concept of redemption through Christ's sacrifice and atonement for humanity's sins
  • Explores the centrality of faith and belief in attaining salvation and eternal life
  • Grapples with the human experience of suffering, sorrow, and the problem of evil
  • Ultimately affirms the triumph of good over evil through Christ's resurrection and victory over death

Musical structure of Passion stories

• Chorales
  • Draws upon well-known Lutheran hymn tunes familiar to the congregation
  • Provides moments of pause and reflection on the story's events and meanings
  • Offers commentary and interpretation of the narrative from the perspective of the believers
• Arias
  • Features solo singers expressing the thoughts and emotions of individual characters (Jesus, Peter, Judas, etc.)
  • Delves deeper into the theological implications and personal resonances of the Passion story
• Recitatives
  • Narrates the events of the Passion story, advancing the plot and providing context
  • Performed by the Evangelist (narrator) and other characters (Jesus, Pilate, etc.)
  • Typically accompanied by basso continuo (harpsichord and cello) for a speech-like delivery

Significance of Bach's Passion works

• Musical elements
  • Displays Bach's unparalleled mastery of counterpoint and polyphonic writing for multiple voices
  • Employs expressive harmonies and tonal shifts to convey a wide range of emotions (sorrow, anguish, hope, joy)
  • Features innovative orchestration and instrumental textures to create a vivid soundscape
  • Integrates various musical forms such as da capo arias, fugal choruses, and turba choruses for dramatic effect
• Dramatic elements
  • Presents a vivid and psychologically insightful portrayal of biblical characters and their emotional states
  • Carefully paces the narrative and structures the work to heighten the story's emotional impact
  • Utilizes repetition of musical motifs and contrast between movements to create a sense of overall unity
  • Evokes a powerful emotional and spiritual response in the listener, inviting contemplation and reflection