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In comparison: The St. John Passions by Johann Sebastian Bach and Heinrich Schütz

In a nutshell

On Good Friday 1724, the people of Leipzig heard passion music written by Johann Sebastian Bach for the first time. The new St. Thomas cantor based it on the text of the Evangelist John, as well as free texts from various authors and choral verses. A modified version of this piece was heard the following year, another around 1730, another in 1739 and other versions in 1749 and perhaps also 1750, the year of Bach's death. We will probably never know whether and how Bach even aimed for a final form of his passion music. But we know that there is a tradition of singing the Passion accounts handed down from the Gospels in Holy Week services. The St. John Passion by Heinrich Schütz is perhaps the best-known example; However, the piece, which is half a century older, has nothing to do with Bach's work. Or is it? At the Bach Week Stuttgart 2024, the JSB Ensemble will dedicate itself to both pieces.

JSB Ensemble

Hans-Christoph Rademann, moderation & management