J.S. Bach's St. John Passion
BWV 245
A Study Guide
Bach, Johann Sebastion. Reproduction of painting by Elias Gottlieb Haussmann in Stadtgeschichtliches Museum, Leipzig., Prints & Photographs Division, Library of Congress, LC-USZ62-48740
Introduction
Today, listeners often go to the concert hall to hear the choral works of Johann Sebastian Bach. Bach's work at Leipzig, however, took place in the church and it is here that his cantatas and passions first made their home. Bach's Passions are musical tellings of the events leading up to and including Christ's crucifixion. The placement of any passion, and the St. John Passion in particular, occurred during a liturgical worship service around the sermon on Good Friday, making this service three to four hours long. Bach's duties as Cantor (director of music) included not only composing passions and cantatas, but directing choirs, orchestras, and music for special occasions.
Copyright 2006 Jennifer Butz