Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Passion

Compose Date

:

Mar 23, 1731

Publication Date

:

1974

First Performance

:

Mar 23, 1731

Average_duration

:

102:49

Johann Sebastian Bach's St. Mark Passion, BWV 247, is a sacred oratorio composed in Leipzig in 1731. It was first performed on Good Friday of that year at the St. Nicholas Church in Leipzig. The work is divided into two parts, with a total of 23 movements. The St. Mark Passion is unique among Bach's passions in that it is not a complete setting of the Gospel narrative, but rather a compilation of texts from various sources, including the Gospel of Mark, the Book of Lamentations, and the Psalms. The work also includes several arias and choruses that are not directly related to the Passion story. The first part of the St. Mark Passion begins with an instrumental sinfonia, followed by a chorus that sets the scene of Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. The narrative then moves to the trial before the high priest, with a series of recitatives and arias for the Evangelist, Jesus, and Peter. The first part concludes with a chorus that reflects on the betrayal of Jesus by Judas. The second part of the St. Mark Passion begins with a chorus that reflects on the suffering of Jesus on the cross. The narrative then moves to the death of Jesus, with a series of recitatives and arias for the Evangelist, Jesus, and the centurion who witnesses his death. The work concludes with a chorus that reflects on the significance of Jesus' sacrifice. The St. Mark Passion is characterized by its intense emotional expressiveness and its use of vivid musical imagery to depict the events of the Passion story. Bach employs a wide range of musical styles and techniques, from the intricate counterpoint of the choruses to the simple, plaintive melodies of the arias. The work also features several notable instrumental solos, including a hauntingly beautiful oboe d'amore solo in the aria "Ach, mein Sinn." Overall, the St. Mark Passion is a powerful and deeply moving work that stands as a testament to Bach's genius as a composer and his profound faith as a Christian.

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