Bach: St John Passion

RECORDINGS OF THE WORKS

Johann Sebastian Bach: Johannespasjonen, BWV 245

Whole work

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Bach: St John Passion

Description

Easter concert: Hear Bach's St John Passion Begin Easter with Johann Sebastian Bach's St John Passion. Richard Egarr conducts this musical depiction of the suffering and death of Jesus. It is no coincidence that the work has been performed countless times for over three hundred years. Bach's music conveys life's great contrasts, pain, hope and consolation, in a way that moves all people regardless of faith. Bach's music reaches something that goes deeper than words, deeper than time, deeper than faith. It speaks of suffering, sacrifice and love in a way that touches the most vulnerable part of us, no matter who we are or what we believe in. When the choir breaks out in the opening chorus, with its tremendous sonority and dramatic energy, we are drawn into a story that is both historical and eternally relevant. Bach: St John Passion The St John Passion was first performed in the Nikolaikirken in Leipzig in 1724. It is one of Johann Sebastian Bach's (1685-1750) best-known passions, a musical depiction of the suffering and death of Jesus. But the work is timeless and just as relevant and meaningful to all people, regardless of faith. The music of the St John Passion is gripping, dramatic and conveys something deeply human. Bach manages to express life's contrasts, both pain, hope and faith, in a moving way. In a world with much injustice and suffering, the music creates a space for reflection and community. The message of the St John Passion needs no explanation, it simply has to be experienced. Performers: Richard Egarr, conductor Joshua Ellicott, evangelist Matthew Brook, Christus Berit Norbakken, soprano Marianne Beate Kielland, alto Magnus Staveland, tenor Gordon Bintner, bass Oslo Filharmoniske Kor Simon Halsey, artistic director of choral activities