Bach – Saint Matthew’s Passion

[ June 7th, 2009 | No Comments » | by Jason Andrews ]

“A genius on paper,” sums up Johann Sebastian Bach is as little words as possible. He’s a composer with such a tremendous influence that musicologist, students, scholars and musians are still studying his works 258 years after his death. His 2-part inventions and fugues are among the very first thing any serious music student will be introduced to. They are of such importance because they are, in my opinion, the backbone of a large majority of music; both popular and classical.

This piece by Bach is known as Saint Matthew’s Passion (or Matthaeus Passion). Although a majority of people who recently get introduced to Classical Music don’t necessarily like vocal and/or choir pieces this one is worth listening to. The piece is simply beautiful. It’s a magnificent work that has influences countless composers and musicians alike throughout the centuries and will continue to do so. The text is literally taken from the Bible and put to a choir and orchestra. If you notice in this recording they are using at least some authentic instruments.

What I like most about it is the elegance that it has. Even though I am not what one might call a Christian man, this piece still has a profound effect on me. I listen to it and feel inspired. I feel inspired to do great things. Even if it doesn’t have the same effect on you I’m sure that you can at least appreciate it’s beauty. There aren’t many works like it in the world; nor will there likely be many more. It had that greatness.

Tagged under: bach, baroque, chorus, classical music, orchestra