Composed in 1727, Matthäus-Passion (“St. Matthew Passion”), BWV 244, stands as one of the greatest achievements in Western classical music. Performed several times in Bach’s lifetime, it has endured as a testament to Bach’s compositional genius. This sacred oratorio, written for soloists, double choir, and double orchestra, vividly depicts the Passion of Christ according to the Gospel of Matthew.  Six soloists tell the story: a tenor singing the role of the Evangelist, a bass depicting the role of Jesus, and 4 additional soloists singing the solo arias.  A small ripieno chorus sings the chorale melody in the first and the last movement of the first half of the piece.

Its intricate structure and profound emotional depth convey the narrative with secco recitative, fluid obbligato, and crisp contrapuntal harmonies both between the chorus and orchestra, and between each double ensemble. Renowned for its sublime beauty, spiritual intensity, and sophisticated use of musical techniques, the work reflects Bach’s deep faith and unmatched compositional genius.

Gene will be singing the tenor arias for this performance.