St. Matthew Passion

The St Matthew Passion, BWV 244, (German: Matthäus-Passion), is a musical composition written by Johann Sebastian Bach in 1727 for solo voices, double choir and double orchestra, with libretto by Picander (Christian Friedrich Henrici). It sets chapters 26 and 27 of the Gospel of Matthew to music, with interspersed chorales and arias. It is widely regarded as one of the masterpieces of classical sacred music, indeed, of all Western music. The original Latin title Passio Domini Nostri J.C. Secundum Evangelistam Matthaeum translates to: The Suffering of our Lord J.C. after the Evangelist Matthew. It is rendered in English also as St. Matthew Passion and in German also as Matthäuspassion.

Although Bach wrote four (or five) settings of the Passion only two have survived; the other is the St John Passion. The St Matthew Passion was probably first performed on Good Friday (11 April) 1727^[1] in the Thomaskirche in Leipzig, where Bach was the Kapellmeister. He revised it by 1736, performing it again on 30 March 1736, this time including two organs in the instrumentation.

Composition

Many composers wrote musical settings of the Passion in the late 17th century. Like other Baroque oratorio passions, Bach's setting presents the Biblical text of Matthew 26-27 in a relatively simple way, primarily using recitative, while aria and arioso movements set newly written poetic texts which comment on the various events in the Biblical narrative and present the characters' states of mind in a lyrical, monologue-like manner.

Two distinctive aspects of Bach's setting spring from his other church endeavors. One is the double-choir format, which stems from his own double-choir motets and those of many other composers with which he routinely started Sunday services. The other is the extensive use of chorales, which appear in standard four-part settings, as interpolations in arias, and as a cantus firmus in large polyphonic movements. This is notable in "O Mensch, bewein dein’ Sünde groß", the conclusion of the first half – a movement which Bach also used as an opening chorus for the second version (1725) of his St John Passion (later – 1730 – he reverted to the originally composed "Herr, unser Herrscher" there).^[2] The opening chorus, "Kommt, ihr Töchter, helft mir klagen" is also notable for the use of chorale cantus firmus, in which the soprano in ripieno crowns a colossal buildup of polyphonic and harmonic tension, singing a verse of "O Lamm Gottes, unschuldig."

The surviving manuscripts consist of eight concertato scores, used for eight soloists who also served in the two choirs, a few extra "bit parts", and a part for the soprano in ripieno. It is believed that Bach wrote and performed the St. Matthew Passion using one voice per part, or eight voices total, rather than the two conventional choirs which is common for performances and recordings today.

The narration of the Gospel texts are sung by the tenor Evangelist in secco recitative accompanied only by continuo. Soloists sing the words of various characters, also in recitative; in addition to Jesus, there are named parts for Judas, Peter, two high priests, Pontius Pilate, Pilate's wife, two witnesses and two ancillae (maids). These are not always sung by all different soloists. The "character" soloists are also often assigned arias and sing with the choirs, a practice not always followed by modern performances. Two duets are sung by a pair of soloists' representing two simultaneous speakers. A number of passages for several speakers, called turba (crowd) parts, are sung by one of the two choirs or both.

The words of Jesus, also termed Vox Christi (voice of Christ), usually receive special treatment. Bach created particularly distinctive accompagnato recitatives in this work: they are accompanied not only by continuo but by the entire string section of the first orchestra using long, sustained notes and "highlighting" certain words, thus creating an effect often referred to as Jesus's "halo". Only his final words, written in Aramaic, Eli, eli, lama sabachthani (My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?), are sung without this "halo".

Instrumentation

The St Matthew Passion is set for two orchestras, engaged separately to accompany the soloist, including 2 flutes dolce, 2 transverse flutes, 2 oboes all doubling on oboe d'amore and oboe da caccia, 2 violins, viola, viola da gamba, and basso continuo. In many arias a solo instrument or more create a specific mood, such as the central soprano aria #49, "Aus Liebe will mein Heiland sterben", where the absence of strings and basso continuo mark a desperate loss of security.

Compositional style

Bach’s recitatives often set the mood for the particular passages by highlighting emotionally charged words such as "crucify", "kill", or "mourn" with chromatic melodies. Diminished seventh chords and sudden modulations accompany Jesus's apocalyptic prophecies.

In the turba parts, the two choruses sometimes alternate in cori spezzati style (e.g. "Weissage uns, Christe") and sometimes sing together ("Herr, wir haben gedacht"). Other times only one chorus sings (chorus I always takes the parts of the disciples) or they alternate, for example when "some bystanders" say "He’s calling for Elijah", and "others" say "Wait to see if Elijah comes to help him."

In the arias, obbligato instruments are equal partners with the voices, as was customary in late Baroque arias. Bach often uses madrigalisms, as in "Buß und Reu", where the flutes start playing a raindrop-like staccato as the alto sings of drops of his tears falling. In "Blute nur", the line about the serpent is set with a twisting melody.

Interpolated texts

The arias, set to texts by Picander, are interspersed between sections of the Gospel text. They are sung by soloists with a variety of instrumental accompaniments, typical of the oratorio style. The interpolated texts theologically and personally interpret the Gospel texts. Many of them include the listener into the action, such as the chorale #10, "Ich bin’s, ich sollte büßen" ("It is I who should suffer"), after eleven disciples asked "Herr, bin ich's?" (Lord, is it I?) – meaning: Am I the one going to betray? The alto aria #6, "Buß und Reu", portrays a desire to anoint Jesus with her tears out of remorse. The bass aria #65, "Mache dich, mein Herze, rein", offers to bury Jesus himself. Jesus is often referred to as "my Jesus". The chorus alternates between participating in the narrative and commenting on it.

As is typical of settings of the Passion (and originating in its liturgical use on Palm Sunday), there is no mention of the Resurrection in any of these texts. Following the concept of Anselm of Canterbury, the crucifixion is the endpoint and the source of redemption; the emphasis is on the suffering of Jesus. The chorus sings, in the final chorale #62, "tear me from my fears / through your own fear and pain." The bass, referring to the "sweet cross" expresses in #56, "Yes, of course this flesh and blood in us / want to be forced to the cross; / the better it is for our soul, / the more bitter it feels."

The #1, "O Lamm Gottes" chorale compares Jesus' crucifixion to the ritual sacrifice of an Old Testament lamb, as an offering for sin. This theme is reinforced by the concluding chorale of the first part, O Mensch, bewein dein’ Sünde groß (O man, bewail your great sin).

Structure

The work is divided in two parts to be performed before and after the sermon of the Good Friday service.

Part One is opened by the chorus Kommt, ihr Töchter, helft mir klagen. Choir I and II act separately, at times in question and answer, choir I Seht ihn (Behold Him), choir II interrupting Wie? (How?), choir I als wie ein Lamm. (as a Lamb). The image of the lamb slaughtered on the cross is prominent also in the cantus firmus of the third choir, like a heading of the whole work.

The first scenes are in Jerusalem: Jesus announces his death (#2), on the other hand the intention to get rid of him is expressed (#4). A scene in Bethany (#4c) shows a woman treating his head with valuable water. The next scene (#7) has Judas Iscariot deal about the price for delivering Jesus. In a great contrast of mood the preparation for the "Easter meal" (Osterlamm) is described (#9) and the Passover meal itself, the Last Supper, foreshadowed by the announcement of betrayal. After the meal they go together to the Mount of Olives (#14) where Jesus predicts that Peter will deny him three times before the cock will crow. At the garden of Gethsemane (#18) Jesus asks his followers several times to support him but they fall asleep while he is praying in agony. It is there (#26) that he his betrayed by Judas' kiss and arrested.

Part I is closed by a four-part setting (both choirs) of the chorale O Mensch, bewein dein Sünde groß (O mankind, mourn your great sins), recapitulating that Jesus was born of the Virgin to "become the intercessor". The sopranos sing the cantus firmus, the other voices interpret aspects of the narration.

Part Two is opened by a dialog between the alto soloist deploring her lost Jesus (quoting Song of Songs 6:1) and choir II offering help in searching for him.

The first scene of Part Two is an interrogation at the High Priest Caiaphas (#37) where two witnesses report Jesus having spoken about destroying the Temple and building it again in three days. Jesus is silent to this, but his answer to the question if he is the Son of God is considered a sacrilege calling for his death. Outside in the court (#38) Peter is three times told that he belongs to Jesus and denies it three times – then the cock crows. In the morning (#41) Jesus is sent to Pontius Pilate responsible for the jurisdiction, Judas regrets and kills himself. Pilate interrogates Jesus (#43), is impressed and tends to release him, as it was customary to release one prisoner for the holiday, supported in this by his wife. But the crowd, given the choice to have Jesus released or Barabbas, a murderer, asks with one voice "Barrabam!". They vote to crucify Jesus, Pilate gives in, washing his hands claiming his innocence, and delivers Jesus to torture and crucifixion. On the way to the crucifixion site (#55) Simon of Cyrene is forced to carry the cross. At Golgatha (#58) Jesus and two others are crucified and mocked by the crowd. Even his last words are misunderstood. Where he cites Psalm 22, "Eli, Eli" (My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?), he is supposed to have called Elijah. – He dies. St. Matthew describes the tearing of the Temple curtain and an earthquake – set to music by Bach. In the evening (#63c) Joseph of Arimathea asks Pilate for the corpse for burial. The following day (#66) officials remind Pilate of the talk of resurrection and ask for guards and a seal for the grave to prevent fraud.

The work is closed by a grand scale chorus in da capo form, choir I and II mostly in unison for the first part Wir setzen uns mit Tränen nieder (We sit down in tears), but in dialog in the middle section, choir II repeating "rest gently, gently rest!", choir I reflecting: "Your grave and headstone shall, for the anxious conscience, be a comfortable pillow and the resting place for the soul. Highly contented, there the eyes fall asleep." These are the last words (before the recapitulation), marked by Bach himself: p pp ppp (soft, very soft, extremely soft).

Movements

Note: The numbering system, 1 through 68, used here is from the Neue Bach Ausgabe (New Bach Edition). The traditional BWV numbering uses a different scheme of 78 numbers. Obviously, neither sets of numbers are explict in the autograph.

Part One

1. Coro I & II & Chorale: Kommt, ihr Töchter, helft mir klagen – O Lamm Gottes unschuldig

2a. Evangelist, Jesus: Da Jesus diese Rede vollendet hatte

3. Chorale: Herzliebster Jesu, was hast du verbrochen

4a. Evangelist: Da versammleten sich die Hohenpriester und Schriftgelehrten

4b. Coro I & II: Ja nicht auf das Fest

4c. Evangelist: Da nun Jesus war zu Bethanien

4d. Coro I: Wozu dienet dieser Unrat?

4e. Evangelist, Jesus: Da das Jesus merkete, sprach er zu ihnen

5. Recitativo (alto, flutes): Du lieber Heiland du

6. Aria (alto, flutes): Buß und Reu

7. Evangelist, Judas: Da ging hin der Zwölfen einer mit Namen Judas Ischarioth

8. Aria (soprano, flutes): Blute nur, du liebes Herz!

9a. Evangelist: Aber am ersten Tage der süßen Brot

9b. Coro I: Wo willst du, daß wir dir bereiten das Osterlamm zu essen?

9c. Evangelist, Jesus: Er sprach

9d. Evangelist: Und sie wurden sehr betrübt

9e. Coro I: Herr, bin ich's?

10. Chorale: Ich bin's, ich sollte büßen

11. Evangelist, Jesus: Er antwortete und sprach

12. Recitativo (soprano, viole d'amore): Wiewohl mein Herz in Tränen schwimmt

13. Aria (soprano, viole d'amore): Ich will dir mein Herze schenken

14. Evangelist, Jesus: Und da sie den Lobgesang gesprochen hatten

15. Chorale: Erkenne mich, mein Hüter

16. Evangelist, Peter, Jesus: Petrus aber antwortete und sprach zu ihm

17. Chorale: Ich will hier bei dir stehen

18. Evangelist, Jesus: Da kam Jesus mit ihnen zu einem Hofe, der hieß Gethsemane

19. Recitativo (tenor, flauti dolci, oboe da caccia) and Chorale II: O Schmerz! Hier zittert das gequälte Herz – Was ist die Ursach aller solcher Plagen?

20. Aria (tenor, solo oboe, flutes) and Coro II: Ich will bei meinem Jesu wachen – So schlafen unsre Sünden ein

21. Evangelist: Und ging hin ein wenig, fiel nieder auf sein Angesicht und betete

22. Recitativo (basso): Der Heiland fällt vor seinem Vater nieder

23. Aria (basso): Gerne will ich mich bequemen, Kreuz und Becher anzunehmen

24. Evangelist, Jesus: Und er kam zu seinen Jüngern und fand sie schlafend

25. Chorale: Was mein Gott will, das gscheh allzeit

26. Evangelist, Jesus, Judas: Und er kam und fand sie aber schlafend

27a. Aria (soprano, alto, flutes, oboes) and Coro II: So ist mein Jesus nun gefangen – Laßt ihn, haltet, bindet nicht!

27b. Coro I & II: Sind Blitze, sind Donner in Wolken verschwunden?

28. Evangelist, Jesus: Und siehe, einer aus denen, die mit Jesu waren, reckete die Hand aus

29. Chorale: O Mensch, bewein dein Sünde groß

Part Two

30. Aria (alto, flute) and Coro II: Ach, nun ist mein Jesus hin! – Wo ist denn dein Freund hingegangen

31. Evangelist: Die aber Jesum gegriffen hatten, führeten ihn zu dem Hohenpriester Kaiphas

32. Chorale: Mir hat die Welt trüglich gericht'

33. Evangelist, Witnesses, High Priest: Und wiewohl viel falsche Zeugen herzutraten, funden sie doch keins.

34. Recitativo (tenor, oboes, viola da gamba): Mein Jesus schweigt zu falschen Lügen stille

35. Aria (tenor, viola da gamba): Geduld, Geduld! Wenn mich falsche Zungen stechen

36a. Evangelist, High Priest, Jesus: Und der Hohenpriester antwortete

36b. Coro I & II: Er ist des Todes schuldig!

36c. Evangelist: Da speieten sie in sein Angesicht und schlugen ihn mit Fäusten

36d. Coro I & II: Weissage uns, Christe, wer ists, der dich schlug?

37. Chorale: Wer hat dich so geschlagen

38a. Evangelist, Maid, Peter, Maid II: Petrus aber saß draußen im Palast; und es trat zu ihm eine Magd

38b. Coro II: Wahrlich, du bist auch einer von denen; denn deine Sprache verrät dich.

38c. Evangelist, Peter: Da hub er an sich zu verfluchen und zu schwören

39. Aria (alto, violin solo I): Erbarme dich, mein Gott, um meiner Zähren Willen!

40. Chorale: Bin ich gleich von dir gewichen

41a. Evangelist, Judas: Des Morgens aber hielten alle Hohepriester und die Ältesten des Volks einen Rat

41b. Coro I & II: Was gehet uns das an? Da siehe du zu!

41c. Evangelist, High Priests: Und er warf die Silberlinge in den Tempel

42. Aria (basso, violin solo II): Gebt mir meinen Jesum wieder!

43. Evangelist, Pilate, Jesus: Sie hielten aber einen Rat und kauften einen Töpfersacker

44. Chorale: Befiehl du deine Wege

45a. Evangelist, Pilate, Pilate's wife: Auf das Fest aber hatte der Landpfleger Gewohnheit, dem Volk einen Gefangenen loszugeben

Coro I & II: Barrabam!

45b. Coro I & II: Laß ihn kreuzigen!

46. Chorale: Wie wunderbarlich ist doch diese Strafe!

47. Evangelist, Pilate: Der Landpfleger sagte

48. Recitativo (soprano, oboe da caccia): Er hat uns allen wohlgetan

49. Aria (soprano, flute, oboe da caccia, no strings, no basso continuo): Aus Liebe will mein Heiland sterben

50a. Evangelist: Sie schrieen aber noch mehr und sprachen

50b. Coro I & II: Laß ihn kreuzigen!

50c. Evangelist, Pilate: Da aber Pilatus sahe, daß er nichts schaffete

50d. Coro I & II: Sein Blut komme über uns und unsre Kinder.

50e. Evangelist: Da gab er ihnen Barrabam los

51. Recitativo (alto): Erbarm es, Gott! Hier steht der Heiland angebunden.

52. Aria (alto): Können Tränen meiner Wangen

53a. Evangelist: Da nahmen die Kriegsknechte des Landpflegers Jesum zu sich

53b. Coro I & II: Gegrüßet seist du, Jüdenkönig!

53c. Evangelist: Und speieten ihn an und nahmen das Rohr und schlugen damit sein Haupt.

54. Chorale: O Haupt, voll Blut und Wunden

55. Evangelist: Und da sie ihn verspottet hatten, zogen sie ihm den Mantel aus

56. Recitativo (basso, flutes, viola da gamba): Ja, freilich will in uns das Fleisch und Blut zum Kreuz gezwungen sein

57. Aria (basso, viola da gamba): Komm, süßes Kreuz, so will ich sagen

58a. Evangelist: Und da sie an die Stätte kamen mit Namen Golgatha

58b. Coro I & II: Der du den Tempel Gottes zerbrichst

58c. Evangelist: Desgleichen auch die Hohenpriester spotteten sein

58d. Coro I & II: Andern hat er geholfen und kann ihm selber nicht helfen.

58e. Evangelist: Desgleichen schmäheten ihn auch die Mörder, die mit ihm gekreuziget waren.

59. Recitativo (alto, oboe da caccia): Ach Golgatha, unselges Golgatha!

60. Aria (alto, oboe da caccia) and Coro II: Sehet, Jesus hat die Hand uns zu fassen ausgespannt, kommt! – Wohin?

61a. Evangelist, Jesus: Und von der sechsten Stunde an war eine Finsternis über das ganze Land

61b. Coro I: Der rufet dem Elias!

61c. Evangelist: Und bald lief einer unter ihnen, nahm einen Schwamm

61d. Coro II: Halt! Laß sehen, ob Elias komme und ihm helfe.

61e. Evangelist: Aber Jesus schriee abermal laut und verschied.

62. Chorale: Wenn ich einmal soll scheiden

63a. Evangelist: Und siehe da, der Vorhang im Tempel zerriß in zwei Stück

63b. Coro I & II: Wahrlich, dieser ist Gottes Sohn gewesen.

63c. Evangelist: Und es waren viel Weiber da, die von ferne zusahen

64. Recitativo (basso): Am Abend, da es kühle war

65. Aria (basso, oboe da caccia): Mache dich, mein Herze, rein

66a. Evangelist: Und Joseph nahm den Leib und wickelte ihn in ein rein Leinwand

66b. Coro I & II: Herr, wir haben gedacht, daß dieser Verführer sprach

66c. Evangelist, Pilate: Pilatus sprach zu ihnen

67. Recitativo (basso, tenor, alto, soprano) and Coro II: Nun ist der Herr zur Ruh gebracht. – Mein Jesu, gute Nacht!

68. Coro I & II: Wir setzen uns mit Tränen nieder

Sources for the text

• Matthew 26 (Part One) and 27 (Part Two)
• Texts for recitatives and arias by Christian Friedrich Henrici (Picander)
• Song of Songs 6:1 #30
• Chorales
  • O Lamm Gottes unschuldig, N. Decius (1541), verse 1 for #1 cantus firmus
  • Herzliebster Jesu, Johann Heermann (1630), verse 1 for #3, 3 for #19 coro II in tenor rec., 4 for #46
  • O Welt, sieh hier dein Leben, Paul Gerhardt (1647), verse 5 for #10, 3 for #37
  • O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden, Paul Gerhardt (1656), verse 5 for #15, 6 for #17, 1 & 2 for #54, 9 for #62
  • Was mein Gott will, das g'scheh allzeit, Markgraf Albrecht von Brandenburg (1547), verse 1 for #25
  • O Mensch, bewein dein Sünde groß, Sebald Heyden (1525), verse 1 for #29 cantus firmus
  • In dich hab ich gehoffet, Herr, Adam Reusner (1533), verse 5 for #32
  • Werde munter, mein Gemüte, Johann von Rist (1642) verse 6 for #40
  • Befiel du deine Wege, Paul Gerhardt 1656 verse 1 for #44

Performance history

The St Matthew Passion was probably first performed on 11 April 1727 in the St. Thomas Church, and again on 30 March 1736. The work was not heard outside of Leipzig until 1829, when Felix Mendelssohn performed an abbreviated and modified version in Berlin to great acclaim. Mendelssohn's revival brought the music of Bach, particularly the large-scale works, to public and scholarly attention (although the St John Passion had been performed in 1822). Appreciation, performance and study of Bach's composition have persisted into the present era. Notably, in the Netherlands a tradition has grown where many professional and amateur orchestras perform the St. Matthew Passion every year on Palm Sunday.

Meanwhile William Sterndale Bennett formed the Bach Society in 1849 with the intention of introducing the work to the English public. Helen Johnston (a student at Queen's College London) translated the libretto, and Bennett conducted the first performance at the Hanover Square Rooms London on 6 April 1854. The soloists included Charlotte Helen Sainton-Dolby. The Sterndale Bennett edition was to be the first of many, the latest being by Neil Jenkins. The Bach Society was reformed in 1876 as The Bach Choir in London.

Notable recordings

References

Bibliography

• Applegate, Celia: Bach in Berlin: Nation and Culture in Mendelssohn’s Revival of the St. Matthew Passion. Cornell University Press, 2005.
• Casino (1995 Film) "Matthaus Passion" chapters 26 and 27.
• Platen, Emil. Die Matthäus-Passion von Johann Sebastian Bach. Kassel: Bärenreiter, 1991.
• Rifkin, Joshua. "The Chronology of Bach's Saint Matthew Passion". In Musical Quarterly, lxi (1975). 360–87
• Werker, W. Die Matthäus-Passion. Leipzig, 1923.

External links

• The Passion according to Saint Matthew BWV 244 by Joshua Rifkin, on the bach-cantatas website
• Translation to many languages, commentary, musical examples, list of recordings on the bach-cantatas website
• Emmanuel music Text and translation to English
• The St. Matthew Passion Minnesota Public Radio, text and translation, commentary, 2001
• Matthäuspassion: Free scores at the International Music Score Library Project.
• Matthäuspassion, early edition (BWV 244b): Free scores at the International Music Score Library Project.
• Alex Stobbs Matthew Passion Project, broadcast of the Matthew Passion by conductor Alex Stobbs, a young music student who suffers from Cystic Fibrosis.