Composed in 1727, Bach's St. Matthew Passion stands as a monumental sacred oratorio setting chapters 26-27 of Matthew's Gospel. It interweaves biblical narration with contemplative arias and Lutheran chorales, featuring unprecedented double-choir architecture. The chorale "Mir hat die Welt trüglich gericht’t" (No. 32) offers poignant reflection on worldly betrayal through Bach's harmonically rich four-part writing.
A haunting chorale harmonized by J.S. Bach, based on a medieval hymn text by St. Bernard of Clairvaux. It appears multiple times in the St. Matthew Passion as a contemplative refrain, representing the communal response to Christ's suffering.
The chorale "O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden" (O Sacred Head, Now Wounded) is a recurring thematic element in Bach's St. Matthew Passion, symbolizing Christ's suffering. It appears multiple times with varying harmonizations, unifying the narrative.
The aria serves as the emotional climax of Bach's monumental passion, featuring rare major-key tonality to symbolize spiritual purification. Its intimate scoring contrasts with the work's grand choruses, reflecting the personal acceptance of redemption.
This poignant chorale from Bach's monumental St. Matthew Passion features rich harmonic language
that intensifies the Passion text, with descending chromatic lines symbolizing Christ's suffering.
The simple four-part setting contrasts with the work's complex polyphonic sections.
