Bach’s St. John’s Passion is a musical setting of John 18-19 (with two verses from Matthew inserted), interspersed with chorales (Lutheran Hymns) and original arias (original poetic reflections). It is absolutely stunning and moving, and is a brilliant devotional reflection on the Gospel reading and the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus for us.
Here’s a quick-start guide to get you into the piece.
LINKS:
- Bach – St John Passion BWV 245 – Van Veldhoven | Netherlands Bach Society
- Download the Text and Translation
- Performance in English: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ob78JIT-7uY
Learn More:
- A Moment of Bach Podcast (https://amomentofbach.com/home)
- About St. John’s Passion (from the Netherland’s Bach Society webpage): https://www.bachvereniging.nl/en/bwv/bwv-245
- Wikipedia entry: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_John_Passion
Links so specific points mentioned in the video:
“Herr, Herr, Herr” https://youtube.com/watch?v=zMf9XDQBAaI&feature=shares&t=13
“Put away your sword.” Thy will be done… https://youtube.com/watch?v=zMf9XDQBAaI&feature=shares&t=885
They followed Jesus. “I follow You likewise with joyful steps…” https://youtube.com/watch?v=zMf9XDQBAaI&feature=shares&t=1298
The crowds ask Peter, “Aren’t you one of His disciples?” https://youtube.com/watch?v=zMf9XDQBAaI&feature=shares&t=1837
Peter weeps bitterly https://youtube.com/watch?v=zMf9XDQBAaI&feature=shares&t=1898
“Consider my soul, with anxious delight…” https://youtube.com/watch?v=zMf9XDQBAaI&feature=shares&t=2816
“Through Your imprisonment, Son of God” https://youtube.com/watch?v=zMf9XDQBAaI&feature=shares&t=3697
“It is accomplished” https://youtube.com/watch?v=zMf9XDQBAaI&feature=shares&t=4804
He bowed His head and died https://youtube.com/watch?v=zMf9XDQBAaI&feature=shares&t=5154
Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart https://youtube.com/watch?v=zMf9XDQBAaI&feature=shares&t=6644
Enjoy! And please share your thoughts and other resources in the comments below.
Christ is risen! PrBW
