JS Bach
Passionsmusik nach dem Evangelisten Johannes (BWV 245)

Performed by Pretoria Bach Choir

Saturday 23 March 2002 at 20h00
Reformed Church "Die Kandelaar"
Codonia Avenue, Waverley, Pretoria

Johann Sebastian Bach (1658 to 1750) composed his St John Passion in the year 1723 before he accepted his appointment as Thomas cantor at Leipzig. Most probably it was performed for the first time on Good Friday of the following year. The work is written in the tradition of the Mediaeval liturgical passion drama as it was performed at St Thomas at that time. It follows the scriptural account of events closely (John 18 and 19, with two short citations from Matthew 26 and 27).

Biblical text is dramatised with chorals and arias portraying a deep religious character throughout - reflections that elaborate the preceding text.

The overwhelming drama of the Passion translates with the powerful music into a majestic composition.

It starts with an orchestral overture that contains the essence of the passion, namely the suffering of Christ and the redemption of man. The exposition, with flowing movement between dissonance and harmony, culminates into the intense song of praise Lord, Thou our Master - the real Son of God that will always, in the greatest humility, as God be glorified.

The work ends with a similarly extensive passage, Rest well, o holy body of Christ, that I no longer will mourn for, and lead me to rest - the grave that you are destined for, will open Heaven for me, and close the gates of Hell, followed by the almost childlike humble choral O Lord let the angels guide me to Heaven - where I will praise Thee eternally!