J.S. Bach: Easter & Ascension Oratorios

Featuring

Carolyn Sampson
Iestyn Davies
James Gilchrist
Peter Harvey
Matthew Halls
Retrospect Ensemble

Johann Sebastian Bach

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Interpretation

The performers on this recording called upon aspects of rhetoric to shape their interpretation, reflecting the Baroque era's comparison of persuasive speech with music.

Recording & Production

This recording of Bach's Easter and Ascension Oratorios was made in London, UK, from February 22-25, 2010, and produced by Ben Turner.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Bach's use of parody, or self-borrowing, may have been motivated by time-management issues or a desire to give greater permanence to occasional compositions.

Composition History

J.S. Bach's Easter Oratorio was his first work in the oratorio genre, likely performed on Easter Sunday, 1735.

Compositional Technique

The Easter Oratorio uses an entirely poetic text, often attributed to Picander, and is delivered by four characters: Mary Mother of James, Mary Magdalene, Peter, and John.

Compositional Technique

A common feature of Bach's three oratorios, including the Easter and Ascension Oratorios, is that they are parodies of earlier works, adapting music Bach used previously in other contexts.