Composer

:

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Passion

Compose Date

:

1757 - 1758

Publication Date

:

1758

Average_duration

:

5:04

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach's Passionslied, H. 686/14, Wq. 194/14 is a sacred vocal work that was composed in 1784. It was premiered in Hamburg, Germany, on Good Friday of the same year. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which is characterized by its own unique musical features. The first movement of Passionslied is a somber and introspective aria that features a solo soprano accompanied by a small ensemble of strings and continuo. The music is marked by its slow, mournful tempo and its use of chromatic harmonies and dissonant intervals. The text of the aria is taken from the Gospel of Matthew and describes the agony of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane. The second movement of Passionslied is a lively and energetic chorus that features the full ensemble of voices and instruments. The music is marked by its fast tempo and its use of syncopated rhythms and complex counterpoint. The text of the chorus is taken from the Gospel of John and describes the trial and condemnation of Christ before Pontius Pilate. The third and final movement of Passionslied is a slow and contemplative aria that features a solo alto accompanied by a small ensemble of strings and continuo. The music is marked by its simple, hymn-like melody and its use of diatonic harmonies and gentle, flowing rhythms. The text of the aria is taken from the Gospel of Luke and describes the death of Christ on the cross. Overall, Passionslied is a powerful and moving work that showcases Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach's skill as a composer of sacred vocal music. The piece is characterized by its expressive melodies, its rich harmonies, and its poignant use of text painting to convey the emotional depth of the Passion story.

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