St Matthew Passion (Matthaus-Passion), BWV 244
Johann Sebastian Bach
Work background
Researched classical background
Bach's St Matthew Passion combines the Gospel account of Jesus's suffering with reflective arias, chorales, and large choral movements. The Evangelist narrates while other singers take dramatic roles. Two choral and orchestral groups allow dialogue and layered responses, bringing a theatrical dimension to a work intended for worship. Later revisions shaped the form most often performed today.
Inspiration and creative background
The Gospel of Matthew and Christian devotional poetry provide the narrative and reflective basis.
St Matthew Passion - Bach
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
A listening guide
Distinguish the narrated action from the reflective numbers that pause to consider its meaning.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Vocal soloists, two choruses, and two orchestral groups with continuo
Work date: 1720s first form; revised 1736
The Netherlands Bach Society gives a first-performance range between 1725 and 1728 or 1729 and identifies the surviving 1736 manuscript; a uniquely certain 1727 premiere is not asserted.
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Also known as: Matthaus-Passion
Date, title and version notes
The Passion survives in successive versions; numbering and performance details depend on the edition.
The earliest performance year is debated; 1727 is not treated as uniquely certain.
St Matthew Passion - Bach
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
St Matthew Passion - Bach
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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