Immerse yourself in the profound and sacred compositions of Johann Sebastian Bach with the release of "Bach: St Matthew Passion." This album, released on February 7, 2012, under the Naxos label, is a masterful collection of classical and classical piano genres, spanning a duration of 1 hour and 46 minutes. The album features a rich tapestry of choral, vocal, and instrumental pieces, showcasing Bach's unparalleled mastery of Baroque music.
The tracklist is a journey through the Passion of Christ, as narrated in the Gospel of Matthew. It begins with the cantata "Halt im Gedachtnis Jesum Christ, BWV 67," a reflective and devotional work that sets the tone for the album. The album then delves into the "St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244," a monumental work that combines recitatives, arias, chorales, and choruses to depict the final days of Jesus Christ. The performances are rendered in English, making the profound lyrics accessible to a broader audience.
Each piece is a testament to Bach's ability to convey deep spiritual and emotional depth through music. The choral works are particularly striking, with powerful harmonies and intricate counterpoint that highlight the ensemble's skill and precision. The solo arias provide moments of intimate reflection, showcasing the vocal prowess of the performers.
This album is not just a collection of Bach's works; it is a spiritual and musical experience that invites listeners to contemplate the profound themes of faith, suffering, and redemption. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Bach's compositions, this album offers a deeply moving and enriching listening experience.
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