description St. John Passion Overview
Johann Sebastian Bach's St. John Passion, BWV 245, is a setting of the Passion narrative drawn principally from chapters 18 and 19 of the Gospel of John. First performed in Leipzig on Good Friday in 1724, it uses an Evangelist tenor, vocal soloists, chorus, and orchestra. Biblical recitative and dramatic crowd scenes alternate with reflective arias and Lutheran chorales, allowing a congregation to contemplate the narrated events.
insights Ranking position
St. John Passion ranks #1 of 187 in the Choral Music ranking, ahead of Mass in B Minor.
help St. John Passion FAQ
Who tells the story in Bach's St. John Passion?
A tenor Evangelist narrates the Gospel account, while a bass sings the words of Jesus. The chorus repeatedly becomes the crowd, giving BWV 245 its unusually urgent dramatic character.
How does the St. John Passion differ from Bach's St. Matthew Passion?
The St. John Passion is generally more compressed and confrontational, with turbulent crowd choruses and a single principal ensemble. The St. Matthew Passion uses double chorus and double orchestra and gives more space to reflective poetry.
Which Gospel does the St. John Passion set?
Its central narrative comes from chapters 18 and 19 of the Gospel of John, with additions drawn from other sources. Bach surrounds the biblical text with chorales and newly written arias that invite personal reflection.
Where and when was the St. John Passion first performed?
BWV 245 premiered on Good Friday in 1724 at Leipzig's St. Nicholas Church. Bach subsequently revised the work several times, so modern performances may use different versions.
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