The Scholars Baroque Ensemble performs on original instruments or copies, using contemporary techniques and a minimum number of players and singers per part.
Performer Biography
The Scholars Baroque Ensemble was founded in 1987 by David van Asch to complement the a cappella work of the vocal quartet The Scholars.
Composition History
Bach's St. John Passion was first performed on April 7, 1724, in the Nikolaikirche in Leipzig, despite initial plans for the Thomaskirche.
Historical Context
By the early 16th century, polyphony was introduced as an elaboration of the liturgical tradition in sung Passions, a form later adopted by Martin Luther.
Composition History
Bach composed five Passion settings, but only those based on the Gospels of St. Matthew and St. John survive today.
Critical Reception
The St. John Passion was considered too theatrical by church authorities at the time, leading to modifications in his later St. Matthew Passion.
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