This recording uses the 1749 version of the St. John Passion, which Bach, as an old man, reverted to from his original 1724 score, but with a richer instrumentation including an expanded continuo group and a double bassoon.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The libretto of the St. John Passion functions as a psychogram of a deadly intrigue, transforming into a religious narrative by constantly asking: 'What does all this mean for me, as a member of a later generation?'
Performer Biography
The Stuttgarter Hymnus-Chorknaben, a boys' choir, originated in 1900 from an initiative by entrepreneur Paul von Lechler, who wanted to provide young people with meaningful leisure activity.
Composition History
Johann Sebastian Bach, the composer, was 39 years old when he wrote the St. John Passion in 1724, his second year as Thomascantor in Leipzig.
Recording & Production
MDG, the record label, produces its recordings in natural acoustics of chosen concert halls, avoiding artificial reverb, sound filters, or limiters to achieve genuine reproduction.
Performer Biography
Hille Perl, the viola da gamba player on this album, has been playing the instrument since she was five years old and considers music as vital as breathing.
Compositional Technique
Bach's St. John Passion is noted for its dramatic intensity and operatic directness, featuring a complex score that is intuitively graspable even by boy choristers.
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