In the context of Bach’s oeuvre, both preserved settings of the Passion, according to Matthew and according to John, are among the central works. At the same time, they represent a particular type of an opulent Passion setting for soloists, choir, and orchestra. This musical form emerged from centuries of development: since the middle of the 15th century, partly polyphonic settings of Biblical tales about the suffering and death of Jesus Christ have been documented. In comparison with the works of Bach’s contemporaries but also with his own later St Matthew Passion, St John Passion stands out, for instance, by the elaborate and emotionally charged choruses in the scene of Pilate’s judgement.

Sophie Junker | soprano
Julia Böhme | alto
Sebastian Kohlhepp | tenor - Evangelist
Tobias Hunger | Tenor
Christian Immler | baritone - Pilatus
Matthias Winckhler | bass - Jesus

Collegium 1704 & Collegium Vocale 1704
Václav Luks | conductor

J. S. Bach
Johannes-Passion BWV 245