Composer

:

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Passion

Compose Date

:

1780

Publication Date

:

1780

Average_duration

:

5:19

Passionslied, H. 749/2, Wq. 197/2 is a sacred vocal work composed by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach. It was written in 1784 and premiered in Hamburg, Germany. The work consists of three movements and is approximately 15 minutes in length. The first movement is a recitative for solo voice and continuo. It begins with a somber and mournful tone, reflecting the solemnity of the Passion story. The text is taken from the Gospel of Matthew and describes the betrayal of Jesus by Judas. The music is characterized by dissonant harmonies and angular melodic lines, which convey the sense of tension and conflict in the text. The second movement is an aria for solo voice and strings. It is a lament for the suffering of Jesus on the cross. The music is slow and mournful, with long, sustained notes in the strings and a simple, plaintive melody in the voice. The text is taken from the Book of Lamentations and expresses the sorrow and grief of the speaker. The final movement is a chorale for four-part choir and continuo. It is a setting of the hymn "O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden" (O Sacred Head, Now Wounded), which is traditionally sung on Good Friday. The music is simple and hymn-like, with a straightforward melody and harmonies. The text is a meditation on the suffering of Jesus and the sacrifice he made for humanity. Overall, Passionslied, H. 749/2, Wq. 197/2 is a powerful and moving work that reflects the deep religious faith of its composer. The music is characterized by a sense of solemnity and reverence, as well as a deep emotional intensity that conveys the drama and pathos of the Passion story.

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