The two extant passion settings by J.S. Bach continue to move audiences of all faiths as profound artistic expressions and rank as some of the most poignant musical compositions ever written. Holy Week of 2024 celebrates the 300th anniversary of the first time that the Leipzig congregants heard the ST. JOHN PASSION, changing the scope and magnitude of Passion composition forever. This four-session course will examine the history and development of Passion genre from its earliest liturgical responsorial expressions to the monumental Oratorio- Passion structures of Bach’s St. John and St. Matthew Passions in the early to mid-18th century.
Course participants will also get an inside and up-close experience with the preparation and execution of the ST. JOHN PASSION as performed by True Concord Voices and Orchestra in late February, coinciding with this HSP course.
