description Bach: St John Passion Overview
Johann Sebastian Bach's St John Passion, BWV 245, was first performed in Leipzig on Good Friday in 1724. It sets the Passion narrative from the Gospel of John in a large-scale work for soloists, chorus, and Baroque orchestra, with chorales, arias, and dramatic biblical dialogue. Bach revised the score several times, and surviving performances may use features from different versions.
help Bach: St John Passion FAQ
When was Bach's St John Passion first performed?
Bach first performed it on Good Friday in 1724 in Leipzig, probably at St Nicholas Church. The work is catalogued as BWV 245 and was written for the city's Lutheran worship.
Which biblical account does the St John Passion use?
Its central narrative follows the Passion according to the Gospel of John. Bach combines Gospel narration with chorales, arias, and dramatic choruses in two large parts.
How is the St John Passion different from Bach's St Matthew Passion?
The St John Passion is generally more compressed and theatrically forceful, with the crowd choruses playing a particularly intense role. Bach's St Matthew Passion came later, receiving its first performance in 1727.
Is Bach's St John Passion an opera?
No, it is a sacred Passion setting for soloists, chorus, and orchestra rather than a staged opera. Bach uses dramatic musical language, but the 1724 work was intended for a Good Friday church service.
explore Explore More
Similar to Bach: St John Passion
See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
