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Johann Sebastian Bach's "Matthäuspassion" (St. Matthew Passion), BWV 244b, is a monumental work in the Baroque choral music repertoire. Here are some interesting facts about it:

1. Creation and Premiere:

   • Bach composed the St. Matthew Passion in 1727-1729 during his tenure in Leipzig, Germany.
   • The premiere likely took place on Good Friday (April 11) in 1729 at the St. Thomas Church in Leipzig, where Bach served as the Thomaskantor.

2. Structure:

   • The St. Matthew Passion is divided into two parts and is scored for double choir, double orchestra, and soloists. It features a large ensemble, including two choirs, two orchestras, and soloists.

3. Narrative and Text:

   • The libretto is based on the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 26 and 27, and includes reflective chorales and arias.
   • The narrative is presented through a series of recitatives and choruses, with soloists taking on various roles, such as the Evangelist (narrator), Jesus, and other characters.

4. Chorales and Arias:

   • The St. Matthew Passion includes several Lutheran chorales, which serve as reflective moments and are interspersed throughout the work.
   • The arias provide personal reflections on the events depicted in the Gospel and often feature deep emotional expression.

5. Musical Techniques:

   • Bach masterfully employs various contrapuntal techniques, such as fugues and canons, showcasing his exceptional skill in polyphonic composition.
   • The use of double choirs and orchestras allows for rich and complex musical textures.

6. Emotional Depth:

   • The St. Matthew Passion is renowned for its emotional depth and intensity, conveying the drama and significance of the Passion story with profound musical expression.

7. Bach's Legacy:

   • The St. Matthew Passion is considered one of Bach's crowning achievements and one of the supreme masterpieces of Western classical music.
   • It has had a lasting impact on subsequent generations of composers and performers and continues to be a central work in the choral and orchestral repertoire.

Bach's St. Matthew Passion remains a towering work that continues to captivate audiences with its profound spirituality and musical brilliance.