Bach: St. Matthew Passion

J.S. Bach’s Matthaus Passion BWV 244, composed on a vast scale with two choirs and a doubled orchestra, is in great contrast to the passions of earlier years.The Leipzig-based poet ‘Picander’ was responsible for dividing the words of the Gospel into 15 “acts”, rounding off each set with a meditation.Bach sets these texts in a variety of forms, not only through use of recitative and aria movements but also through extensive use of chorales and choir sung polyphonic choruses.This historic 1975 recording features the highly esteemed tenor Peter Schreier in the role of Evangelist.