Immerse yourself in the profound and sacred sounds of Johann Sebastian Bach's "St. Matthew Passion," a monumental work in the Western classical music repertoire. Released on Naxos in 2012, this album captures the essence of Bach's masterpiece, originally composed for performance during Good Friday vespers. The recording features the iconic "St. Matthew Passion" in its entirety, a powerful oratorio that narrates the Passion of Christ according to the Gospel of Matthew. With a duration of 1 hour and 46 minutes, this album is a testament to Bach's unparalleled musical genius and his ability to evoke deep spiritual and emotional responses.
The album begins with the cantata "Halt im Gedächtnis Jesum Christ, BWV 67," setting the stage for the profound journey that follows. The "St. Matthew Passion" itself is a grand, multi-movement work that combines chorales, recitatives, arias, and choruses to depict the events leading up to and including the crucifixion of Jesus. The performance is conducted by Georg Christoph Biller and recorded live at the historic St. Thomas Church in Leipzig, adding an authentic and resonant quality to the music.
Each track is meticulously performed, showcasing the intricate harmonies, rich textures, and profound expressiveness that Bach is renowned for. The album features a stellar cast of vocalists and instrumentalists, bringing to life the dramatic and contemplative moments of the Passion narrative. From the solemn chorales to the impassioned arias, every note is imbued with a sense of reverence and artistry.
"St. Matthew Passion" is not just an album; it is an experience that invites listeners to reflect on the profound themes of faith, suffering, and redemption. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Bach's works, this recording offers a deeply moving and spiritually uplifting journey. Experience the timeless beauty and emotional depth of Bach's "St. Matthew Passion," a work that continues to inspire and captivate audiences centuries after its creation.
2012 Naxos2012 Naxos
Tracks
Halt im Gedachtnis Jesum Christ, BWV 67: Chorale. Hold in affection Jesus Christ (Chorus) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Kathleen Ferrier, William Herbert, William Parsons, Cantata Singers, The, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
Halt im Gedachtnis Jesum Christ, BWV 67: Aria. Christ Jesus now Is risen (Tenor) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Kathleen Ferrier, William Herbert, William Parsons, Cantata Singers, The, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
Halt im Gedachtnis Jesum Christ, BWV 67: Recitative. Now, Jesus (Alto) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Kathleen Ferrier, William Herbert, William Parsons, Cantata Singers, The, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
Halt im Gedachtnis Jesum Christ, BWV 67: Chorale. Come all (Chorus) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Kathleen Ferrier, William Herbert, William Parsons, Cantata Singers, The, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
Halt im Gedachtnis Jesum Christ, BWV 67: Recitative. And still, O Lord (Alto) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Kathleen Ferrier, William Herbert, William Parsons, Cantata Singers, The, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
Halt im Gedachtnis Jesum Christ, BWV 67: Aria. Peace be unto you (Bass, Chorus) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Kathleen Ferrier, William Herbert, William Parsons, Cantata Singers, The, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
Halt im Gedachtnis Jesum Christ, BWV 67: Chorale. Lord Christ (Chorus) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Kathleen Ferrier, William Herbert, William Parsons, Cantata Singers, The, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. I: Chorus. Come ye daughters (Chorus) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. I: Recitative. When Jesus had finished (Jesus, Evangelist) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. I: Chorus. O blessed Jesu (Chorus) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. I: Recitative. Then assembled together (Evangelist) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. I: Chorus. Not upon the feast (Chorus) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. I: Recitative. Now when Jesus was in Bethany (Evangelist) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. I: Chorus. To what purpose Is This waste (Chorus) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. I: Recitative. When Jesus understood It (Jesus, Evangelist) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. I: Recitative. My Master and my Lord (Contralto) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. I: Aria. Grief for sin (Contralto) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. I: Aria. Break in grief (Soprano) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. I: Recitative. Now the first day (Chorus, Evangelist) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. I: Chorus. Where, where (Chorus) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. I: Recitative. And He said, go (Chorus, Jesus, Evangelist) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. I: Chorus. 'Tis I whose sin doth bind Thee (Chorus) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. I: Recitative. And He answered (Judas, Jesus, Evangelist) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. I: Recitative. Although our eyes with tears (Soprano) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. I: Aria. Jesus, Saviour (Soprano) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. I: Recitative. And after they had sung (Jesus, Evangelist) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. I: Recitative. Peter answered and said (Peter, Jesus, Evangelist) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. I: Chorus. Here would I stand beside Thee (Chorus) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. I: Recitative. Then cometh Jesus (Evangelist, Jesus) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. I: Chorus. O grief (Chorus, Tenor) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. I: Aria. I would beside my Lord (Tenor, Chorus) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. I: Recitative. And He went a little farther (Jesus, Evangelist) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. I: Recitative. The Saviour, low before His Father (Bass) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. I: Aria. Gladly would I take (Bass) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. I: Recitative. And He cometh (Jesus, Evangelist) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. I: Chorus. O Father let Thy will be done (Chorus) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. I: Recitative. Then cometh He (Judas, Jesus, Evangelist) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. I: Duet and Chorus. Behold my Saviour (Chorus, Contralto, Soprano) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. I: Recitative. And behold one of them (Jesus, Evangelist) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. I: Chorus. O man, thy grievous sin (Chorus) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. II: Aria and Chorus. Ah! Now Is my Saviour gone (Chorus, Contralto) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. II: Recitative. And they That had laid hold (Evangelist) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. II: Chorus. How falsely doth the world (Chorus) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. II: Recitative. Yea though many (Witnesses, Evangelist) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. II: Recitative. He holds His peace (Tenor) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. II: Aria. Endure, endure (Tenor) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. II: Recitative and Chorus. And the High Priest answered (Chorus, High Priest, Jesus, Evangelist) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. II: Recitative and Chorus. Then they did spit in His face (Chorus, Evangelist) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. II: Chorus. O Lord, who dares to smite Thee (Chorus) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, Bwv 244: Pt. II: Recitative and Chorus. Now Peter sat without in the Palace (Chorus, Peter, Evangelist, First Maid, Second Maid) [Sung in English]Johann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, Henry Cummings, William Parsons, Bruce Boyce, Gordon Clinton, The Bach Choir, Thornton Lofthouse, Osborne Peasgood, Jacques Orchestra, The, Reginald Jacques
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