John Passion

Bach’s ‘little Passion’, as Schumann famously called it, was unveiled to the Leipzig congregation on Good Friday 1724, 300 years ago almost to the day.

It was Bach’s first Passion, and although more slender than the Matthew that would follow three years later, it remains his first piece of grand storytelling. While the Matthew Passion is a more monumental, contemplative piece, the John is arguably more dramatic, placing greater emphasis on the tensions and humanity at the heart of the passion story. Schumann called it ‘much bolder, more powerful, more poetic that the one from Matthew’s Gospel’, and its message is ultimately more uplifting. It is a work of hope and promise that looks forward to the prospect of a glorious resurrection, directed here by Dunedin Consort’s Associate Director, Nicholas Mulroy, in his role as the Evangelist. 

Programme
Johann Sebastian Bach John Passion, BWV 244  

Artists
Nicholas Mulroy Director & Evangelist 
Anna Dennis Soprano 
Beth Taylor Mezzo-soprano  
Stephan Loges Christus 

Pre-concert talk with Nicholas Mulroy, 6.30pm - free but ticketed 

Subscriptions

This concert is part of the Dunedin Consort 2023/24 season which includes Songs of Wars I Have Seen, Matthew Passion, John Passion, Sean Shibe meets Dunedin Consort, Messiah, Leipzig 300, Čičić directs Vivaldi and the Scattered Rhymes Choral Tour. Book for four or more events and save 20%. 

Presented by Dunedin Consort