The principal theme of the monumental opening chorus of the St. Matthew Passion may have been borrowed from a 'Tombeau' by Marin Marais, a French Baroque composer.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded live on April 6th and 7th, 2019, at the Académie Bach in the Église des Jésuites in Porrentruy, Switzerland.
Composition History
The St. Matthew Passion's early versions from 1727 and 1729 already featured two choirs and orchestras, but only a single continuo part.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Bach used specific tonalities to articulate the drama, such as the 'bitter' B-flat minor for Jesus's last words, which later transforms into a 'serene' B-flat major.
Compositional Technique
Bach's St. Matthew Passion uses a double choir and double orchestra, a technique inspired by large-scale musical performances and Venetian masters.
Compositional Technique
In 1736, Bach revised the St. Matthew Passion by dividing the continuo and adding a second organ for the second choir.
Interpretation
This recording's interpretation aims to bring the tragedy of the Passion to life, considering Bach's original scores and performance practices in Leipzig.
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