Immerse yourself in the profound and moving masterpiece of Johann Sebastian Bach's "St. John Passion, BWV 245," brought to life by the incomparable Sir Peter Pears. This timeless work, a cornerstone of classical and choral music, is a powerful retelling of the Passion of Christ, as narrated in the Gospel of John. Released on Past Classics in 2013, this album captures the essence of Bach's genius, with Pears' evocative tenor voice leading a stellar cast through the intricate and emotionally charged compositions.
The "St. John Passion" is a monumental work, divided into two parts and spanning over two hours of music. It seamlessly blends choral and solo settings, featuring a rich tapestry of recitatives, arias, and chorales. The narrative is delivered with dramatic intensity by the Evangelist, interspersed with reflective arias and powerful chorales that underscore the spiritual depth of the text. Sir Peter Pears' portrayal of the Evangelist is particularly noteworthy, bringing clarity and passion to the role.
This recording is a testament to the enduring legacy of Bach's music and the artistry of Sir Peter Pears. The collaboration with renowned artists such as John Shirley-Quirk and the precise orchestration highlight the intricate details and emotional resonance of the "St. John Passion." Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a deeply enriching and spiritually uplifting experience.
(C) 2013 Past Classics
Tracks
St. John Passion, BWV 245, Part 1: I. Coro, II. Evangelist, III. Chorale, IV. Evangelist, V. Chorale, VI. Evangelist, VII. AriaSir Peter Pears, Hans Hotter, Elisabeth Grümmer, Keith Engen, Marga Höffgen, John Van Kesteren
St. John Passion, BWV 245, Part 1: VIII. Evangelist, IX. Aria, X. Evangelist, XI. Chorale, XII. Evangelist, XIII. Aria, XIV. ChoraleSir Peter Pears, Hans Hotter, Elisabeth Grümmer, Keith Engen, Marga Höffgen, John Van Kesteren
St. John Passion, BWV 245, Part 2: XV. Chorale, XVI. Evangelist, XVII. Chorale, XVIII. Evangelist, XIX. Arioso, XX. Aria, XXI. EvangelistSir Peter Pears, Hans Hotter, Elisabeth Grümmer, Keith Engen, Marga Höffgen, John Van Kesteren
St. John Passion, BWV 245, Part 2: XXII. Chorale, XXIII. Evangelist, XXIV. Aria, XXV. Evangelist, XXVI. Chorale, XXVII. Evangelist, XXVIII. Chorale, XXIX. Evangelist, XXX. Aria, XXXI. EvangelistSir Peter Pears, Hans Hotter, Elisabeth Grümmer, Keith Engen, Marga Höffgen, John Van Kesteren
St. John Passion, BWV 245, Part 2: XXXII. Aria, XXXIII. Evangelist, XXXIV. Arioso, XXXV. Aria, XXXVI. Evangelist, XXXVII. Chorale, XXXVIII. Evangelist, XXXIX. Coro, XXXX. ChoraleSir Peter Pears, Hans Hotter, Elisabeth Grümmer, Keith Engen, Marga Höffgen, John Van Kesteren