10.2 The Passions of J.S. Bach
3 min read•july 18, 2024
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 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 ()
- Differences
- St. Matthew Passion has a longer duration and more expansive musical architecture compared to
- 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 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 (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
Key Terms to Review (16)
Affect: Affect in the context of Baroque music refers to the emotional expression conveyed through musical elements and structures. This concept emphasizes the ability of music to evoke specific feelings and moods, which became a driving force behind compositions during this era, leading to innovations in vocal and instrumental styles.
Atonement: Atonement refers to the reconciliation between God and humanity, particularly through acts of sacrifice or suffering, aimed at restoring a broken relationship. This concept is pivotal in Christian theology, emphasizing the idea that Jesus Christ's suffering and death serve as a means for humanity's redemption from sin. In the context of certain musical works, particularly those by J.S. Bach, atonement is often expressed through emotionally charged compositions that reflect themes of sorrow, repentance, and hope.
Basso continuo: Basso continuo, also known as thoroughbass, is a musical accompaniment technique prevalent during the Baroque period where a bass line is played along with harmonies that are typically realized by a keyboard or other chordal instrument. This practice allowed for greater harmonic freedom and was foundational to the development of various musical forms and styles during this era.
Counterpoint: Counterpoint is a musical technique that involves the interplay of independent melodic lines to create a harmonious texture. This method is fundamental in the development of polyphonic music, particularly in the Baroque period, influencing major composers and their contributions, as well as various musical forms and genres.
Expressionism: Expressionism is an artistic movement that seeks to convey emotional experience rather than physical reality. It often emphasizes the inner feelings of the artist, resulting in exaggerated colors and distorted forms, allowing deeper emotions to be expressed through music, visual arts, and literature. In the context of baroque music, expressionism highlights the emotional depth found in compositions, particularly in the works of composers like J.S. Bach.
Historically informed performance: Historically informed performance (HIP) is an approach to performing music that seeks to recreate the sound, style, and practices of the time when the music was composed. This approach involves using period instruments, performance techniques, and interpretations that align with historical contexts, enhancing the authenticity and emotional impact of Baroque vocal music and compositions like those by J.S. Bach.
Johann Sebastian Bach: Johann Sebastian Bach was a German composer and musician of the Baroque period, known for his intricate counterpoint, expressive melodies, and deep spiritual faith expressed through music. His works reflect the historical and cultural complexities of his time while significantly influencing the development of Western classical music.
Lutheranism: Lutheranism is a major branch of Protestant Christianity that originated in the early 16th century from the teachings of Martin Luther. It emphasizes salvation by faith alone, the authority of Scripture, and the priesthood of all believers, which reshaped the religious landscape of Europe and laid the groundwork for many musical compositions, especially during the Baroque period.
Martin Luther: Martin Luther was a German theologian and religious reformer who is best known for initiating the Protestant Reformation in the early 16th century. His critiques of the Catholic Church's practices, particularly the sale of indulgences, led to the formation of Lutheranism and had a profound impact on Christian music, especially through the incorporation of hymns and chorales into worship, shaping the musical landscape of the Baroque period.
Oratorio: An oratorio is a large-scale musical composition for orchestra, choir, and soloists that is typically based on a religious theme and performed without staging or acting. It combines elements of opera, but focuses more on the narrative and text, emphasizing the music's emotional impact and connection to the lyrics.
Organ: The organ is a musical instrument that produces sound by forcing air through pipes, which can be controlled by a keyboard. This versatile instrument has been central to both sacred and secular music throughout history and is especially significant in Baroque music, influencing the works of major composers, the development of keyboard notation, and various forms such as trio and solo sonatas, as well as the Passions of J.S. Bach.
Protestant Reformation: The Protestant Reformation was a religious movement in the 16th century that sought to reform the Roman Catholic Church and led to the establishment of various Protestant denominations. It arose as a response to perceived corruption and doctrinal issues within the Church, significantly influencing religious, cultural, and political landscapes across Europe.
Recitative: Recitative is a style of vocal music that imitates the natural rhythms and patterns of speech, primarily used in opera, oratorio, and cantata to advance the narrative or convey dialogue. This musical form allows for flexibility in expression and is often accompanied by minimal instrumentation, focusing on the text's emotional content.
St. John Passion: The St. John Passion is an oratorio composed by J.S. Bach that reflects the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ as recounted in the Gospel of John. This work is notable for its dramatic narrative, emotional depth, and intricate use of musical forms, integrating vocal solos, choruses, and instrumental accompaniments. The piece serves not only as a musical expression of religious devotion but also incorporates Lutheran chorales that enrich its spiritual context.
St. Matthew Passion: The St. Matthew Passion is a large-scale oratorio composed by Johann Sebastian Bach, recounting the Passion of Jesus Christ as told in the Gospel of Matthew. It is a significant work that reflects the Baroque period's emphasis on emotional expression, spirituality, and complex musical structures, showcasing Bach's mastery in composition and his deep Lutheran faith.
Strings: In music, 'strings' refers to a family of instruments that produce sound through vibrating strings, including violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. This family plays a crucial role in various musical forms and styles, providing melodic lines, harmonies, and textures. Strings have a rich history and are integral to compositions from different eras, particularly in the Baroque period where they were essential in orchestral and chamber music settings.