What language is St Matthews Passion?
German
The St Matthew Passion (German: Matthäus-Passion), BWV 244, is a Passion, a sacred oratorio written by Johann Sebastian Bach in 1727 for solo voices, double choir and double orchestra, with libretto by Picander.
When was St Matthews Passion written?
Why did JS Bach write St Matthew Passion? Bach was the Thomaskantor, or musical director, for Leipzig’s Thomaskirche from 1723. It is widely accepted that Bach debuted his St Matthew Passion at the church’s vespers service for Good Friday on 11 April 1727.
What is the purpose of St. Matthew Passion?
Matthew Passion was first heard on Good Friday, 1727 in Leipzig, Germany. Johann Sebastian Bach wrote his St. Matthew Passion for a single purpose — to present the Passion story in music at Good Friday vesper services.
How long does St Matthew Passion Last?
The St. Matthew Passion is divided into two parts, and its performance takes somewhat less than three hours. The first part concerns Jesus Christ’s betrayal, the Last Supper, and his prayers and arrest in Gethsemane.
What is the Passion in music?
Passion music, musical setting of the suffering and Crucifixion of Christ, based either on biblical texts or poetic elaborations. Dating from the 4th century onward, they range from unaccompanied plainsong to compositions for soloists, chorus, and orchestra. In the medieval Passion the deacon sang the entire text.
What does the alto aria Erbarme dich mein Gott mean?
We’ll start in one of the most sublime and powerful corners of J.S. Bach’s St. Matthew Passion: the alto aria, Erbarme dich, mein Gott (“Have mercy Lord, My God, for the sake of my tears”). In the drama, this aria reflects Peter’s solitary heartache in the garden after he denies knowing Jesus three times.
What does Erbarme dich mean?
Erbarme dich, erbarme dich! for the sake of my tears! weep bitterly before You. Have mercy, have mercy! I love the expressive style of this old recording. If playback doesn’t begin shortly, try restarting your device.
Is Erbarme dich the most beautiful piece of music ever written?
The Polish poet and novelist Adam Zagajewski has called Erbarme Dich “the center and the synthesis of western music.” The violinist Yehudi Menuhin called the aria’s lamenting solo violin obligato “the most beautiful piece of music ever written for the violin.” (You can hear Menuhin performing this aria both early and late in his career).
Is the “Urtext” edition of a German book public domain?
URTEXT EDITION [ more…] This “urtext” or “scholarly” (scientific) edition was published at least 25 years ago in Germany and thus is public domain in its country of origin. Such editions are also public domain in Canada because they fail to meet the minimum ‘threshold of originality’ to qualify for copyright as an ‘adaptation’.