Bach primarily used Martin Luther's translation of the Gospel of John for the text, supplementing it with passages from the Gospel of Matthew and free contemplative insertions.
Critical Reception
After Bach's death in 1750, his works, including the Passion cantatas, fell into oblivion until a revival initiated by Carl Friedrich Zelter and Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy in 1829.
Historical Context
Maulbronn Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, provides an ideal atmosphere for these concerts, especially with its romantic, candle-lit arches.
Recording & Production
This live recording is part of a cycle of oratorios, masses, and other grand works performed in the basilica of Maulbronn Abbey under the direction of Jürgen Budday.
Interpretation
The music on this album is exclusively performed on reconstructed historical instruments, tuned to the pitch customary in the composer's lifetime (a' = 415 Hz).
Recording & Production
The concerts are recorded in direct 2-Track Stereo digital to allow listeners to acutely experience every facet of the symbiosis between performers, audience, work, and room.
Composition History
Bach's St. John Passion, premiered on April 7, 1724, in Leipzig, is the earliest known of his Passion cantatas.
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