Album insights
Bach's manuscript of the St. Matthew Passion is a calligraphic masterpiece, showcasing his phenomenal graceful and flowing notation from his forties, contrasting with later years of illegible, stiff handwriting due to his failing eyesight. The meticulously corrected paper strips seem to indicate Bach's deliberate effort to leave this Autograph in an ideal state. Yet, despite this 1730s clean copy, only one set of individual parts remain. Bach scholars have long struggled to reconstruct the evolution of the Passion, remaining in the dark about the performers and their setup in the Thomaskirche West Choir. The lack of contemporary reactions leaves us clueless about the audience's reception back then.
Many signs suggest that the St. Matthew Passion was intended as the highlight of Bach's second Leipzig cantata cycle of 1724/25. The elevated role of chorales in that cycle points towards a significant plan. However, the premiere occurred two years later, and Bach continued to revise the Passion in the 1730s and 1740s. Following controversies from the different versions of the St. John Passion in 1724 and 1725, Bach aimed to allow for reflection and contemplation between the scenes in the St. Matthew Passion. This resulted in a less polemical focus, offering more opportunities for processing the dramatic events. Structuring a transition from arioso to aria ahead of most arias enabled a contemplative atmosphere, allowing time for the audience to delve into the emotional and meditative range Bach presents.
Bach's opening chorus in the St. Matthew Passion resembles a grand tableau creating an auditory equivalent of a large altar painting by Veronese or Tintoretto. Introducing a sudden third chorus section with boy sopranos alongside references to the "Lamb of God" signifies a contrast between the innocent Lamb and the sinful world Jesus must bear the burden for. This dichotomy forms the essence of the entire Passion, intertwining Jesus' fate with that of humanity. The biblical narrative commences with stark form and tonal contrasts, set against elaborate recitatives, heavenly string tones for Jesus, and dynamic interjections, leading to individual and collective expressions in the arias and chorales. This well-constructed architecture mirrors an operatic sequence, engaging the audience with a rich tapestry of musical storytelling.
As the drama unfolds, Bach strategically integrates diverse perspectives through ariosi, arias, and chorales, prompting listeners to reflect on the narrative's relevance to their lives. Each musical element, from voices to obligato instruments, contributes uniquely, fostering a dialogue and immersive experience akin to reading a novel. The intricate orchestration and varied timbres transport the audience into scenes where individuals harmonize and interact, echoing a vibrant operatic ensemble.
In the finale, an absorbing Sarabande replaces the customary Rondo, creating an endless cycle reminiscent of the Passion's recurring commemoration every Good Friday. Reflecting on the portrayal of Jesus in the St. Matthew Passion reveals a deeply humanized character compared to the St. John Passion, evoking profound emotion and connection. Bach's profound narrative choices and musical structures, inspired by Luther's convictions, illuminate a transformative path for the listener, challenging them to engage with the story on a personal level and find solace in reflection and faith. Bach's Passion compositions push boundaries by merging drama and contemplation while preserving the intrinsic power of the music, transcending staged performances.
John Eliot Gardiner's approach advocates for a balance between drama and meditation, eschewing theatrical excess to cultivate a transcendent experience through minimalistic staging and focused musical delivery. By uniting singers, musicians, and obligato instruments with a mindful choreography, the performance invites the audience to visualize intricate scenes and emotions. The inherent drama and potency within Bach's Passions, unwaveringly compelling and bound by the unspoken, establish them as monumental works deserving reverence and thoughtful engagement.