March 2025 concert: Bach St John Passion

Here’s a brief summary of the plot of Bach’s St John Passion:

The St John Passion is an oratorio that tells the story of the final days of Jesus Christ, as narrated in the Gospel of John. The work is divided into two parts:

1. Part One: It begins with Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. The narrative follows his trial before the high priests and Peter’s denial of Jesus. The music captures the tension and drama of these events, with the chorus representing the crowd and various soloists taking on the roles of different characters.
2. Part Two: This part focuses on Jesus’ trial before Pontius Pilate, his crucifixion, and death. The emotional intensity builds as the story progresses, culminating in Jesus’ final words on the cross and his burial. The work concludes with a reflective and sorrowful chorus, contemplating the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice.

Throughout the oratorio, Bach’s music vividly portrays the emotions and events of the Passion story, using a combination of recitatives, arias, chorales, and choruses. The St John Passion is renowned for its dramatic power and spiritual depth, making it a profound experience for both performers and listeners.