Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Passion

Compose Date

:

Apr 7, 1730

Publication Date

:

1898

Average_duration

:

104:39

Movement_count

:

101

Movement ....

Johann Sebastian Bach's St. Luke Passion, BWV 246, was composed in 1730 and premiered on April 24th of the same year in Leipzig, Germany. The work is a musical setting of the Passion of Christ according to the Gospel of Luke, and is one of two surviving Passion settings by Bach, the other being the more famous St. Matthew Passion. The St. Luke Passion is divided into two parts, with the first part covering the events leading up to Jesus' arrest and trial, and the second part focusing on his crucifixion and death. The work is scored for soloists, choir, and orchestra, and features arias, recitatives, and choruses. One of the most notable characteristics of the St. Luke Passion is its use of chorales, which are hymn-like melodies that are sung by the choir and congregation. These chorales serve as a way for the audience to participate in the story and reflect on its meaning. Another characteristic of the work is its use of musical symbolism, such as the use of dissonance to represent the pain and suffering of Christ. The St. Luke Passion is also notable for its use of musical motifs, which are recurring themes or melodies that are associated with specific characters or events in the story. For example, the motif of the "sword" is used to represent the violence and conflict that surrounds Jesus' arrest, while the motif of the "cock" is used to represent Peter's denial of Jesus. Overall, the St. Luke Passion is a powerful and moving work that showcases Bach's mastery of musical storytelling and his ability to convey deep emotion through music. Its use of chorales, symbolism, and motifs make it a unique and memorable addition to the canon of Bach's sacred music.

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