Bach St Matthew Passion

632 Words2 Pages

Johann Sebastian Bach’s St. Matthew Passion is a two hour composition based on the story of Jesus’ crucifixion, with the libretto written by Christian Friedrich Henrici (Picander). This passion combines Picander’s expressive way of transcribing and the biblical story told in Matthew chapters 26 – 27. Bach is able to move away from the older style of combining plainsong narration with polyphony by selecting specific groups and characters for the performers to represent. While a high tenor narrates in the style of recitative, soloists represent Jesus and other important characters such as Peter and the High Priest. The chorus performs verses from the crowd, disciples and other large groups. Recent findings of the performance practice in this work showed that Bach envisioned four solo and four ripieno singers, who would sing both with the chorus and by them selves for their solos. …show more content…

The use of an obbligato aria in a minor mode set in ritornello form helps establish the atmosphere of this apologetic section of the passion. In measures 11 – 12, Bach uses text painting with repetitive sigh motives when the alto sings “for the sake of my tears” to bring out the bitter sorrow in Peter’s beg to God. This sigh motive is seen throughout the whole piece, especially in the violin’s ritornello (measures 1 – 8). Adding chromaticism and irregular rhythms that tie over beats help persuade the feeling of deep heartache. The use of a descending motor bass line helps create tension with the rhythmic violin and vocal parts, evoking those same

Open Document