J.S. Bach’s “great” passion was like nothing the city of Leipzig had seen before: composed on a vast scale with two choirs
and a doubled orchestra, its large canvas and dramatic nature was a great contrast to the simple chanted passions of the previous decade. Tradition dictated that the ‘musical Passion’ was performed during the vesper service on the afternoon of Good Friday, and Bach’s setting from St Matthew’s Gospel followed his own St John Passion from two years earlier as well as an impressive legacy of Passion settings written by previous cantors. The year of its premiere cannot be established with complete certainty: while 1729 was the accepted date for many years, it is now widely thought that the work must have been first performed in the Thomaskirche in 1727. The Leipzig‐based poet known as Picander was responsible for dividing the words of the Gospel into 15 “acts” based on the progress of events, and rounded off each set with a meditation. One might easily believe at first sight that the focus is on the original biblical text, but Bach’s musical setting shifts the centre of gravity towards the poet’s insertions in which the daughter of Zion, Mary and the faithful soul add a contemplative aspect. Bach sets these texts in a variety of forms, not only through the use of recitative and aria movements (borrowed from the operatic world), but also through the extensive use of chorales (with which the congregation may have joined in) as well as polyphonic choruses sung by the choir. This historic recording marks the artistic peak of two choral legends of the past century: Rudolf Mauersberger, who was director of the Dresden Kreuzchor, and his brother Erhard, the fourteenth Kantor of the Thomanerchor of Leipzig since the great composer himself, who occupied the same role. Here they join forces with renowned soloists, including the highly esteemed tenor Peter Schreier in the role of Evangelist, to perform Bach’s masterpiece. Following its initial release in 1975, Gramophone reviewed the recording favorably: “… the excellence of soloists, choir and obbligato instrumentalists (a superb gamba and oboe da caccia) and, above all, the profound understanding shown by the conductor, make this a most moving interpretation.”
The reissue of a glorious recording of Bach’s sacred masterwork, the St. Matthew Passion!
This performance from the 70ties brings together two of the most esteemed choirs of Germany: the Thomanerchor Leipzig and the Dresdner Kreuzchor, both with traditions going back to the times of the great Cantor Johann Sebastian. The Leipzig Gewandhausorchester and the choirs are conducted by the two brothers Mauersberger, Rudolf and Erhard, both famous for their deep understanding of the Baroque musical language. An excellent line up of soloists: Peter Schreier, Theo Adam, Hermann Christian Polter, Hans Joachim Rotsch.
“Deeply moving”, the Gramophone wrote of this performance at the time of release, indeed a set to treasure as the testimony of a deeply felthistorical tradition of Bach performance.
Full sung texts are available on www.brilliantclassics.com.
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 1, Chorus. “Kommt, ihr Töchter, helft mir klagen”
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 2, Recitative. “Da Jesus diese Rede vollendet hatte” (Evangelist, Jesus)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 3 Chorale. “Herzliebster Jesu, was hast du verbrochen” (Chorus)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 4 Recitative. “Da versammleten sich die Hohenpriester” (Evangelist) – “Ja nicht auf das Fest” (Chorus) – “Da nun Jesus war zu Bethanien” (Evangelist) – “Wozu dienet dieser Unrat?” (Chorus) – “Da das Jesus merkete” (Evangelist, Jesus)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 5 Recitative. “Du lieber Heiland du” (Alto)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 6 Aria. “Buß und Reu” (Alto)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 7 Recitative. “Da ging hin der Zwölfen” (Evangelist, Judas
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 8 Aria. “Blute nur, du liebes Herz!” (Soprano)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 9 Recitative. “Aber am ersten Tage der süßen Brot” (Evangelist) – “Wo willst du, daß wir dir bereiten” (Chorus) – “Er sprach” (Evangelist, Jesus) – “Und sie wurden sehr betrübt” (Evangelist) – “Herr, bin ich’s?” (Chorus)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 10 Chorale. “Ich bin’s, ich sollte büßen” (Chorus)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 11 Recitative. “Er antwortete und sprach” (Evangelist, Jesus)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 12 Recitative. “Wiewohl mein Herz in Tränen schwimmt” (Soprano)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 13 Aria. “Ich will dir mein Herze schenken” (Soprano)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 14 Recitative. “Und da sie den Lobgesang gesprochen hatten” (Evangelist, Jesus)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 15 Chorale. “Erkenne mich, mein Hüter” (Chorus)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 16 Recitative. “Petrus aber antwortete und sprach zu ihm” (Evangelist, Jesus, Petrus)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 17 Chorale. “Ich will hier bei dir stehen” (Chorus)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 18 Recitative. “Da kam Jesus mit ihnen zu einem Hofe” (Evangelist, Jesus)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 19 Recitative with Chorale. “O Schmerz! Hier zittert das gequälte Herz” (Tenor, Chorus) 1’43
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 20 Aria with Chorus. “Ich will bei meinem Jesu wachen” (Tenor, Chorus)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 21 Recitative. “Und ging hin ein wenig” (Evangelist, Jesus)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 22 Recitative. “Der Heiland fällt vor seinem Vater nieder” (Bass)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 23 Aria. “Gerne will ich mich bequemen” (Bass)4’24
Disk 2
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 24 Recitative. “Und er kam zu seinen Jüngern” (Evangelist, Jesus)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 25 Chorale. “Was mein Gott will, das g’scheh’ allzeit” (Chorus)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 26 Recitative. “Und er kam und fand sie aber schlafend” (Evangelist, Jesus, Judas)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 27 Aria with Chorus. “So ist mein Jesus nun gefangen” (Soprano, Alto, Chorus) – “Sind Blitze, sind Donner in Wolken verschwunden?” (Chorus)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 28 Recitative. “Und siehe, einer aus denen” (Evangelist, Jesus)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 29 Chorale. “O Mensch, bewein dein Sünde groß” (Chorus)6’19
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 30 Aria with Chorus. “Ach! nun ist mein Jesus hin!” (Alto, Chorus)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 31 Recitative. “Die aber Jesum gegriffen hatten” (Evangelist)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 32 Chorale. “Mir hat die Welt trüglich gericht’” (Chorus)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 33 Recitative. “Und wiewohl viel falsche Zeugen herzutraten” (Evangelist, Caiaphas, Witnesses I & II)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 34 Recitative. “Mein Jesus schweigt zu falschen Lügen stille” (Tenor) ’50
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 35 Aria. Geduld! (Tenor)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 36 Recitative. “Und der Hohepriester antwortete und sprach zu ihm” (Evangelist, Caiaphas, Jesus) – “Er ist des Todes schuldig!” (Chorus) – “Da speieten sie aus” (Evangelist) – “Weissage uns, Christe” (Chorus)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 37 Chorale . “Wer hat dich so geschlagen” (Chorus)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 38 Recitative. “Petrus aber saß draußen im Palast” (Evangelist, Maidens I & II, Petrus) – “Wahrlich, du bist auch einer von denen” (Chorus) – “Da hub er an, sich zu verfluchen” (Evangelist, Petrus)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 39 Aria. “Erbarme dich” (Alto)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 40 Chorale. “Bin ich gleich von dir gewichen” (Chorus)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No .41 Recitative. “Des Morgens aber hielten alle Hohepriester” (Evangelist, Judas) – “Was gehet uns das an?” (Chorus) – “Und er warf die Silberlinge in den Tempel” (Evangelist, Priests I & II)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 42 Aria. “Gebt mir meinen Jesum wieder!” (Bass)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 43 Recitative Sie hielten aber einen Rat (Evangelist, Pilatus, Jesus)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 44 Chorale. “Befiehl du deine Wege” (Chorus)
Disk 3
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 45 Recitative and Chorus. “Auf das Fest aber hatte der Landpfleger Gewohnheit” (Evangelist, Pilatus, Pilatus’s Wife, Chorus) – “Laß ihn kreuzigen!” (Chorus)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 46 Chorale. “Wie wunderbarlich ist doch diese Strafe!” (Chorus)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 47 Recitative. “Der Landpfleger sagte” (Evangelist, Pilatus)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 48 Recitative. “Er hat uns allen wohlgetan” (Soprano)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 49 Aria. “Aus Liebe will mein Heiland sterben” (Soprano)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 50 Recitative. “Sie schrieen aber noch mehr” (Evangelist) – “Laß ihn kreuzigen!” (Chorus) – “Da aber Pilatus sahe” (Evangelist, Pilatus) – “Sein Blut komme” (Chorus) – “Da gab er ihnen Barrabam los” (Evangelist)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 51 Recitative. “Erbarm es, Gott!” (Alto)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 52 Aria. “Können Tränen meiner Wangen” (Alto)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 53 Recitative. “Da nahmen die Kriegsknechte” (Evangelist) – “Gegrüßet seist du, Jüdenkönig!” (Chorus)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 54 Chorale. “O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden” (Chorus)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 55 Recitative. “Und da sie ihn verspottet hatten” (Evangelist)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 56 Recitative. “Ja freilich will in uns das Fleisch und Blut” (Bass)0’42
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 57 Aria. “Komm, süßes Kreuz” (Bass)6’04
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 58 Recitative. “Und da sie an die Stätte kamen” (Evangelist) – “Der du den Tempel Gottes zerbricht” (Chorus) – “Desgleichen auch die Hohenpriester” (Evangelist) – “Andern hat er geholfen” (Chorus) – “Desgleichen schmäheten ihn auch die Mörder” (Evangelist)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 59 Recitative. “Ach Golgatha, unselges Golgatha!” (Alto)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 60 Aria with Chorus. “Sehet, Jesus hat die Hand” (Alto, Chorus)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 61 Recitative. “Und von der sechsten Stunde an” (Evangelist, Jesus) – “Der rufet dem Elias!” (Chorus) – “Und bald lief einer unter ihnen” (Evangelist) – “Halt! laß sehen” (Chorus) – “Aber Jesus schriee abermal laut” (Evangelist)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 62 Chorale. “Wenn ich einmal soll scheiden” (Chorus)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 63 Recitative. “Und siehe da, der Vorhang im Tempel zerriß” (Evangelist) – “Wahrlich, dieser ist Gottes Sohn gewesen” (Chorus) – “Und es waren viel Weiber da” (Evangelist)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 64 Recitative. “Am Abend, da es kühle war” (Bass)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 65 Aria. “Mache dich, mein Herze, rein” (Bass)7’17
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 66 Recitative. “Und Joseph nahm den Leib” (Evangelist) – “Herr, wir haben gedacht” (Chorus) – “Pilatus sprach zu ihnen” (Evangelist, Pilatus)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 67 Recitative with Chorus. “Nun ist der Herr zur Ruh gebracht” (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass, Chorus)
Johann Sebastian Bach: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244: No. 68 Chorus. “Wir setzen uns mit Tränen nieder”
&p[url]=http://www.brilliantclassics.comhttps://www.brilliantclassics.com/articles/j/js-bach-matthaeus-passion-3/&p[images][0]=http://www.brilliantclassics.nl/covers/5028421951096.jpg){kind=small}
