J S Bach St Matthew Passion Saturday 26 March 2016 6.30pm, Hall Sim Canetty-Clarke Sir John Eliot Gardiner conductor Monteverdi Choir English Baroque Soloists Trinity Boys Choir Mark Padmore Evangelist Stephan Loges Christus Hannah Morrison soprano Eleanor Minney alto Reginald Mobley alto Clare Wilkinson alto Alex Ashworth bass Nicholas Mogg bass Ashley Riches bass Jonathan Sells bass There will be one 20-minute interval at the end of Part 1 Part of Barbican Presents 2015–16 Programme produced by Harriet Smith; printed by Mandatum Ink; advertising by Cabbell (tel. 020 3603 7930) Confectionery and merchandise including organic ice cream, quality chocolate, nuts and nibbles are available from the sales points in our foyers. Please turn off watch alarms, phones, pagers etc during the performance. Taking photographs, capturing images or using recording devices during a performance is strictly prohibited. The City of London Corporation is the founder and principal funder of the Barbican Centre If anything limits your enjoyment please let us know during your visit. Additional feedback can be given online, as well as via feedback forms or the pods located around the foyers. Welcome Welcome to tonight’s performance of one of the supreme works in the classical canon: Bach’s St Matthew Passion. Sir John Eliot Gardiner’s Bachian credentials could not be more impeccable, and his 1989 recording of the St Matthew Passion has long been a benchmark. That was set down with the ensembles he founded and which he directs today: the English Baroque Soloists and Monteverdi Choir, both of which have changed the very notion of Baroque performance practice. Sir John Eliot writes in his programme notes of the debate surrounding the way the St Matthew Passion can best be performed for the secular audiences of today, arguing strongly that it needs no staging or visual intervention, but rather that a performance on a bare stage allows the audience’s imagination to take wing. Joining Sir John Eliot are an outstanding lineup of soloists, led by the Evangelist of Mark Padmore and the Christus of Stephan Loges. It promises to be an extraordinary evening. Huw Humphreys Head of Music Barbican Classical Music Podcasts 2 Stream or download our Barbican Classical Music podcasts for exclusive interviews and content from the best classical artists from around the world. Recent artists include George Benjamin, Andrew Norman, Iestyn Davies, Joyce DiDonato, Sir Harrison Birtwistle, Evgeny Kissin, Maxim Vengerov and Nico Muhly. Available on iTunes, Soundcloud and the Barbican website St Matthew Passion, BWV 244 Bach’s autograph manuscript score of the St Matthew Passion is a calligraphic miracle. Phenomenal elegance and fluency of notation characteristic of Bach in his forties contrast with passages made in the crabbed, rigid handwriting of his later eye-damaged years, with corrections entered on glued-on strips of paper meticulously inserted. The impression is of a painstakingly constructed autograph score, worked over, revised, repaired and left in a condition aspiring to some sort of ideal. Programme notes Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) tack, dictated in part by Matthew’s approach, making much more room for the listener to process the drama. 3 Bach agrees with (or even instructs) his librettist Picander at the outset that most arias should be preceded by an arioso – to form an intermediate stage, as if to prepare the listener for the contemplative space which the aria will occupy. Now there is enough time to savour the prodigious beauty of each one in turn, the subtle colouring of the obbligato accompaniments and Yet, with only this fair-copy score dating from the the expanded range of emotional and meditative mid-1730s and one set of performing parts to response that they encompass. So, instead of go on, generations of Bach scholars have so far waiting impatiently for an aria to end and the been unable to trace the inception, planning or story to resume, we begin to value the voice urging successive stages of the Passion’s evolution with us to identify with the remorse, the outrage and any degree of certainty. We do not know exactly the outpouring of grief articulated by individual who took part in any of the performances given spokesmen and women in the course of the under the composer’s direction – neither the drama, and by the entire community voicing its make-up of his vocal and orchestral forces, nor contrition in the chorales. With the liturgy pared their precise number, nor how they were deployed down to just a few prayers and hymns to open in the western choir loft of the Thomaskirche. And and close proceedings, and the sermon, for all its we have no contemporary reaction to it – not the considerable length, coming at the midway point, smallest shard of evidence of what people thought this was the ultimate test for him to justify Luther’s about it at the time. great claim for music – that its notes ‘make the text come alive’. There is a distinct possibility – but no proof – that the St Matthew Passion was planned as part of Though he and his musicians were only his second annual cycle of Leipzig cantatas, that partially in view of the congregation, Bach’s of 1724–5, sharing with it an emphasis on chosen was essentially dramatic music: music intended chorales as the basis or focal point of each to appeal to – even occasionally assault – the cantata. The Passion could have been designed senses of his listeners. From the very beginning for its centre, like the boss of a shield. Yet it was not of his employment Bach had been warned that to be: its first airing was delayed by a further two he ‘should make compositions that were not years, and Bach went on modifying it in the course theatrical’, yet his purpose was unimpeachable: of the 1730s and 1740s. to re-enact the Passion story within his listeners’ minds, to affirm its pertinence to the men and After consecutive outings in 1724 and 1725 of the women of his day, addressing their concerns fast-paced St John Passion in two very different and fears and directing them towards the solace versions, and the controversy that seems to have and inspiration to be found within the Passion surrounded that work, Bach appears to have been narrative. minded to come up with something which gave his listeners more time to reflect and contemplate Bach balanced the central thread, Matthew’s rebetween scenes in the Gospel accounts. In the telling of the Passion story, with instant reactions St Matthew Passion he adopts a less polemical and more measured reflections from concerned onlookers, so as to bring it into the present. It would be hard to better it as an essentially human drama – one involving immense struggle and challenge, betrayal and forgiveness, love and sacrifice, compassion and pity. ... We cannot tell if it was Bach’s or Picander’s idea to link the traditional interpretation of Christ as the allegorical bridegroom (Song of Songs) with that of his identity as the sacrificial lamb. What we do know is that Bach’s starting-point – one that he must have discussed and agreed with Picander at the outset – is the concept of dialogue, a device he had already tried out fruitfully in two movements of his St John Passion and now developed to the point where it led logically to an eventual division into two choirs, each with its own supporting instrumental ensemble. Bach’s opening chorus is presented to us as an immense tableau – an aural equivalent, say, to a grand altarpiece by Veronese or Tintoretto. At the moment when the first choir refers to Jesus as a ‘bridegroom’, and then ‘like a lamb’, in an abrupt expansion of the sound spectrum Bach brings in a third choir with the chorale ‘O innocent Lamb of God, unspotted’, sung in unison by a group of trebles (soprano in ripieno) placed in the ‘swallows’ nest’ organ loft in the Thomaskirche – then (but now, alas, no longer) situated a whole nave’s length east of the main performing area. By choosing to superimpose on his powerful and evocative lament the timeless Agnus Dei of the liturgy in its German versification – which would already have been heard earlier that day at the conclusion of the morning service – he was able to contrast the historic Jerusalem as the site of Christ’s imminent trial and Passion with the celestial city whose ruler, according to the Apocalypse, is the Lamb. This is the essential dichotomy – the innocent Lamb of God and the world of errant humanity whose sins Jesus must bear – which will underlie the whole Passion, the fate of the one yoked to that of the other. 4 Now the biblical narrative can begin. From the outset we are offered stark new juxtapositions of texture and sonority – wide-arching secco recitative for the narrator, a ‘halo’ of four-voiced strings surrounding each of Jesus’s statements, tense antiphonal interventions by the crowd, a reduction to single choir for the disciples and a coming together again for collective prayer. Soon we can discern a series of trifoliate patterns emerging: biblical narrative (in recitative), comment (in arioso) and prayer (in aria). Gradually these begin to take on the appearance of an ordered sequence of discrete scenes, as though borrowed from contemporary opera, each one building towards either an individual (aria) or collective (chorale) response to the preceding narration. Bach’s initial musical bridge to the sermon – after the emphatic double-choir movement ‘Sind Blitze, sind Donner’, at which point Picander’s printed libretto ended – was a straightforward harmonisation of the chorale ‘Jesum lass ich nicht von mir’. When he came to revise and copy out the score in the mid-1730s, he must have seen that this fell a long way short of balancing the structural mass of his opening chorus. Now came the decision to replace it with the far more elaborate chorale fantasia, a setting of Sebald Heyden’s Passiontide hymn ‘O Mensch, bewein’ dein’ Sünde gross’. A matching pillar to the grand chorale prologue was now in place, and as a conclusion to Part 1 it provided the ideal meditative opportunity for the Christian community to unite in contrition, drawing out Luther’s meaning of the Passion story and acting as a direct response to Jesus’s last words about ‘fulfilling’ the Scriptures. ... With the resumption of music after the sermon, it takes a second or two to realise where we have got to in the story. Superficially nothing appears to have changed. The scene is still Gethsemane, now after nightfall. The Daughter of Zion is found distractedly searching for her captured lover, though Jesus, bound hand and foot, has long since gone, taken to face trial in front of the High Priests. As the Passion moves towards its climax, Bach’s strategy of pulling us into the action (in ariosos), and then arranging the angles from which we can contemplate its application to ourselves (in the arias and chorales), becomes ever clearer. By settling on a specific voice and selecting a specific obbligato timbre for each aria – whether solo Where in the St John Passion Bach ended with a choral rondo (‘Ruht wohl’) as a reverential accompaniment to the laying of the Saviour’s body in the grave – and therefore suggestive of a full stop of a sort – here, to conclude the Matthew, he chooses a sarabande. The sensation is one of continuous movement, as though the entire ritual of the Passion story has now been heard in the listener’s conscience and will need to be re-lived every Good Friday hereafter. ... Looking back, at the conclusion of the St Matthew Passion, one is struck by how the character of Jesus – a much more human figure than the one portrayed in the St John Passion – is delineated powerfully and subtly, even when reduced, as in the whole of Part 2, to three lapidary utterances: his final ‘Eli, Eli, lama asabthani?’ (‘My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?’) and prior to that ‘Du sagest’s’ (‘Thou hast said’) – once to Caiaphas, once to Pilate. Other than that, Matthew tells us, ‘he answered him nothing.’ Yet there isn’t a single moment when we are unaware of his presence. We see him reflected in the eyes and voices of others, most of all in the moving summation ‘Truly, this was the Son of God’. As always, the music is the place to find Bach himself too. Much as his whole endeavour is to give a voice to others – the protagonists, the crowd, the Gospel writer – his own is always present in the story. We hear it in his fervour, in his empathy with the suffering of the innocent Christ, in his sense of propriety, in his choices and juxtapositions of narrative and commentary and most of all in the abrupt way he stems the tide of vengeful hysteria, cutting into Matthew’s narration and interrupting it with a chorale expressive of profound contrition and outrage. Programme notes There is not a single opera seria of the period that I have studied or conducted to compare with Bach’s two surviving Passions, in terms of the intense human drama and moral dilemma that he expresses in such a persuasive and deeply poignant way. Bach took his cue from Luther, who, knowing from direct experience what it was like to be persecuted, insisted that Christ’s Passion ‘should not be acted out in words or appearances, but in one’s own life’. The search for the most effective ways to present these hugely demanding works has led in many instances to a timely abandonment of the reverential rituals of oratorio performance. One can understand therefore why some stage directors have wanted to deconstruct Bach’s Passions and to explore different ways of experiencing them. But in projecting these powerful music dramas via literal ‘enacting’ and explicit emoting, rather than drawing us in as active participants experiencing human grief, guilt and catharsis, they instead turn us into observers watching a show while representational characters tell us what we are supposed to be feeling at any particular moment. My own approach is based on the conviction that a negotiation between action and meditation can be achieved – not by replacing one set of rituals with another, but through a considered deployment of the musical forces within a church or on a concert platform. Give me a bare stage (not a picture frame) peopled with choristers freed from their scores and soloists interacting with the obbligato players, and, I believe, the audience’s imagination can fill it with images far more vivid than any scene painter or stage director can provide. For it is the intense concentration of drama within the music and the colossal imaginative force that Bach brings to bear in his Passions that make them the equal of the greatest staged dramas: their power lies in what they leave unspoken. We ignore that at our peril. Extracts taken from ‘Music in the Castle of Heaven: A Portrait of Johann Sebastian Bach’ by Sir John Eliot Gardiner (Allen Lane, 2014) © Sir John Eliot Gardiner, 2013; new material © Sir John Eliot Gardiner, 2016 5 violin, flute, oboe (and oboes da caccia) or viola da gamba – he determines the most appropriate accompaniment: this might be for the full string ensemble from either left or right, or subtle combinations of sonorities. With these arioso/ aria pairings, for all their apparent oppositions of mood, the chosen instrumental timbre is the common denominator: a linking of voice and narrative thread. The kaleidoscopic permutations of instrumental colour that Bach finds seem to be boundless. PART 1 6 1 Chorus Choir 1 Kommt, ihr Töchter, helft mir klagen! Sehet! Come, ye daughters, help me mourn! Behold! Choir 2 Wen? Whom? Choir 1 Den Bräutigam! Seht ihn! The bridegroom! See him! Choir 2 Wie? How? Choir 1 Als wie ein Lamm. Like a lamb. Choirs 1 and 2 Kommt, ihr Töchter, helft mir klagen, etc. Come, ye daughters, help me mourn, etc. Choir 1 Sehet! See! Choir 2 Was? What? Choir 1 Seht die Geduld. Sehet! See his patience. Look! Choir 2 Wohin? Whereon? Choir 1 Auf unsre Schuld. Upon our guilt. Choirs 1 and 2 Sehet ihn aus Lieb’ und Huld Holz zum Kreuze selber tragen. Kommt, ihr Töchter, helft mir klagen, etc. See him of his love and grace himself bear wood for his cross. Come, ye daughters, help me mourn, etc. Ripieno O Lamm Gottes, unschuldig, Am Stamm des Kreuzes geschlachtet, Allzeit erfunden geduldig, Wiewohl du warest verachtet. All’ Sünd’ hast du getragen, Sonst müssten wir verzagen. Erbarm’ dich unser, o Jesu! O innocent Lamb of God, slaughtered upon the tree of the cross, at all times found patient, although thou wast despised. Thou hast borne all sin, else should we have to despair. Have mercy on us, O Jesus! Text 2 Recitative Christus Ihr wisset, dass nach zweien Tagen Ostern wird, und des Menschen Sohn wird überantwortet werden, dass er gekreuziget werde. When Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples: Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified. (Matthew 26: 1–2) 3 Chorale Herzliebster Jesu, was hast du verbrochen, Dass man ein solch scharf Urteil hat gesprochen? Was ist die Schuld, in was für Missetaten Bist du geraten? Beloved Jesu, what hast thou done wrong, that such a hard sentence is pronounced upon thee? What is thy offence, into what misdeeds art thou fallen? 4a Recitative (Evangelist) Da versammelten sich die Hohenpriester und Schrift-gelehrten, und die Ältesten im Volk, in den Palast des Hohenpriesters, der da hiess Kaiphas, und hielten Rat, wie sie Jesum mit Listen griffen und töteten. Sie sprachen aber: Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, and consulted that they might take Jesus by subtlety, and kill him. But they said: 4b Chorus Ja nicht auf das Fest, auf dass nicht ein Aufruhr werde im Volk. Not on the feast-day, lest there be an uproar among the people. 4c Recitative (Evangelist) Da nun Jesus war zu Bethanien, im Hause Simonis des Aussätzigen, trat zu ihm ein Weib, die hatte ein Glas mit köstlichem Wasser, und goss es auf sein Haupt, da er zu Tische sass. Da das seine Jünger sahen, wurden sie unwillig, und sprachen: Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, there came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat. But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying: 4d Chorus Wozu dienet dieser Unrat? Dieses Wasser hätte mögen teuer verkauft, und den Armen gegeben werden. To what purpose is this waste? For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor. 4e Recitative Evangelist Da das Jesus merkete, sprach er zu ihnen: When Jesus understood it, he said unto them: Christus Was bekümmert ihr das Weib? Sie hat ein gut Werk an mir getan. Ihr habet allezeit Armen bei euch, mich aber habt ihr nicht allezeit. Dass sie dies Wasser hat auf meinen Leib gegossen, hat sie getan, dass man mich begraben wird. Wahrlich, ich sage euch: Wo dies Evangelium geprediget wird in der ganzen Welt, da wird Why trouble ye the woman? For she hath wrought a good work upon me. For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. Verily I say unto you, wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also 7 Evangelist Da Jesus diese Rede vollendet hatte, sprach er zu seinen Jüngern: man auch sagen zu ihrem Gedächtnis, was sie getan hat. 5 Recitative (Alto) Du lieber Heiland du, Wenn deine Jünger töricht streiten, Dass dieses fromme Weib Mit Salben deinen Leib Zum Grabe will bereiten, So lasse mir inzwischen zu, Von meiner Augen Tränenflüssen Ein Wasser auf dein Haupt zu giessen! Dear Saviour, if thy disciples foolishly dispute, that this pious woman with ointment would prepare thy body for the grave, then let me meanwhile, with tears flowing from my eyes, anoint thy head. 6 Aria (Alto) Buss’ und Reu’ Knirscht das Sündenherz entzwei, Dass die Tropfen meiner Zähren Angenehme Spezerei, Treuer Jesu, dir gebären. Repentance and remorse crush my sinful heart to pieces, so that my teardrops, faithful Jesus, sweet spices may bring forth for thee. 7 Recitative Evangelist Da ging hin der Zwölfen einer mit Namen Judas Iscarioth zu den Hohenpriestern und sprach: Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, and said unto them: Judas Was wollt ihr mir geben? Ich will ihn euch verraten. What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? Evangelist Und sie boten ihm dreissig Silberlinge. Und von dem an suchte er Gelegenheit, dass er ihn verriete. 8 Aria (Soprano) Blute nur, du liebes Herz! Ach! ein Kind, das du erzogen, Das an deiner Brust gesogen, Droht den Pfleger zu ermorden, Denn es ist zur Schlange worden. 9a Recitative (Evangelist) Aber am ersten Tage der süssen Brot traten die Jünger zu Jesu, und sprachen zu ihm: 9b Chorus Wo willst du, dass wir dir bereiten, das Osterlamm zu essen? 8 this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her. (Matthew 26: 3–13) And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him. (Matthew 26: 14–16) O bleed, thou loving heart! Alas! A child, raised by thee, that sucked wisdom at thy breast, threatens to destroy its nurse, for it has turned serpent. Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him: Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover? Text 9c Recitative Evangelist Er sprach: And he said: Christus Gehet hin in die Stadt zu einem und sprecht zu ihm: Der Meister lässt dir sagen: Meine Zeit ist hier, ich will bei dir die Ostern halten mit meinen Jüngern. Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, the Master saith, my time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples. Evangelist Und die Jünger täten, wie ihnen Jesus befohlen hatte, und bereiteten das Osterlamm. Und am Abend satzte er sich zu Tische mit den Zwölfen; und da sie assen, sprach er: And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover. Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve. And as they did eat, he said: Christus Wahrlich, ich sage euch: Einer unter euch wird mich verraten. Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. 9d Recitative (Evangelist) Und sie wurden sehr betrübt, und huben an, ein jeglicher unter ihnen, und sagten zu ihm: And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him: 9e Chorus Herr, bin ich’s? Lord, is it I? 10 Chorale Ich bin’s, ich sollte büssen, An Händen und an Füssen Gebunden in der Höll’. Die Geisseln und die Banden, Und was du ausgestanden, Das hat verdienet meine Seel’. It is I should make atonement, bound hand and foot in Hell. The scourging and the fetters and all that thou didst suffer, these my soul deserves. 11 Recitative Evangelist Er antwortete und sprach: And he answered and said: He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. The Son of man goeth as it is written of him; but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! It had been good for that man if he had not been born. Evangelist Da antwortete Judas, der ihn verriet, und sprach: Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said: Judas Bin ich’s, Rabbi? Master, is it I? 9 Christus Der mit der Hand mit mir in die Schüssel tauchet, der wird mich verraten. Des Menschen Sohn gehet zwar dahin, wie von ihm geschrieben stehet; doch wehe dem Menschen, durch welchen des Menschen Sohn verraten wird! Es wäre ihm besser, dass derselbige Mensch noch nie geboren wäre. (Matthew 26: 17–22) Evangelist Er sprach zu ihm: He said unto him: Christus Du sagest’s. Thou hast said. Evangelist Da sie aber assen, nahm Jesus das Brot, dankete, und brach’s, und gab’s den Jüngern und sprach: And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said: Christus Nehmet, esset, das ist mein Leib. Take, eat; this is my body. Evangelist Und er nahm den Kelch, und dankete, gab ihnen den, und sprach: And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying: 10 Christus Trinket alle daraus; das ist mein Blut des neuen Testaments, welches vergossen wird für viele, zur Vergebung der Sünden. Ich sage euch: Ich werde von nun an nicht mehr von diesem Gewächs des Weinstocks trinken, bis an den Tag, da ich’s neu trinken werde mit euch in meines Vaters Reich. Drink ye all of it; for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom. (Matthew 26: 23–9) 12 Recitative (Soprano) Wiewohl mein Herz in Tränen schwimmt, Dass Jesus von mir Abschied nimmt, So macht mich doch sein Testament erfreut: Sein Fleisch und Blut, o Kostbarkeit, Vermacht er mir in meine Hände. Wie er es auf der Welt mit denen Seinen Nicht böse können meinen, So liebt er sie bis an das Ende. Though my heart is drowned in tears, because Jesus takes farewell of me, yet his testament rejoices me: his flesh and blood, O precious gift, he bequeaths into my hands. As, with his own on earth, he cannot mean them harm, so to the end he loves them. 13 Aria (Soprano) Ich will dir mein Herze schenken, Senke dich, mein Heil, hinein. Ich will mich in dir versenken; Ist dir gleich die Welt zu klein, Ei, so sollst du mir allein Mehr als Welt und Himmel sein. I will give my heart to thee, sink thyself, my Saviour, in it. I will lose myself in thee; though earth be all too small for thee, for me alone, ah, thou shalt be then more than earth and heaven. 14 Recitative Evangelist Und da sie den Lobgesang gesprochen hatten, gingen sie hinaus an den Ölberg. Da sprach Jesus zu ihnen: And when they had sung a hymn, they went out into the Mount of Olives. Then saith Jesus unto them: Christus In dieser Nacht werdet ihr euch alle ärgern an mir. Denn es stehet geschrieben: Ich werde den All ye shall be offended because of me this night, for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, (Matthew 26: 30–32) 15 Chorale Erkenne mich, mein Hüter, Mein Hirte, nimm mich an! Von dir, Quell aller Güter, Ist mir viel Gut’s getan. Dein Mund hat mich gelabet Mit Milch und süsser Kost, Dein Geist hat mich begabet Mit mancher Himmelslust. Recognise me, my guardian, my shepherd, take me to thee, through thee, fount of all good, much good is done to me. Thy mouth has revived me with milk and sweet sustenance, thy spirit imbued me with many a holy longing. 16 Recitative Evangelist Petrus aber antwortete, und sprach zu ihm: Peter answered and said unto him: Peter Wenn sie auch alle sich an dir ärgerten, so will ich doch mich nimmermehr ärgern. Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. Evangelist Jesus sprach zu ihm: Jesus said to him: Christus Wahrlich, ich sage dir: In dieser Nacht, ehe der Hahn krähet, wirst du mich dreimal verleugnen. Verily I say unto thee, that this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. Evangelist Petrus sprach zu ihm: Peter said unto him: Peter Und wenn ich mit dir sterben müsste, so will ich dich nicht verleugnen. Though I should die with thee yet I will not deny thee. Evangelist Desgleichen sagten auch alle Jünger. 17 Chorale Ich will hier bei dir stehen; Verachte mich doch nicht! Von dir will ich nicht gehen, Wenn dir dein Herze bricht. Wenn dein Herz wird erblassen Im letzten Todesstoss, Alsdenn will ich dich fassen In meinen Arm und Schoss. 18 Recitative Evangelist Da kam Jesus mit ihnen zu einem Hofe, der hiess Gethsemane, und sprach zu seinen Jüngern: Text and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. Likewise also said all the disciples. (Matthew 26: 33–5) I will stand beside thee here: do not then despise me! I will not go from thee, when thy heart breaks. When thy heart grows faint in death’s final agony, then I will fold thee in my arms and take thee to my heart. Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples: 11 Hirten schlagen, und die Schafe der Herde werden sich zerstreuen. Wenn ich aber auferstehe, will ich vor euch hingehen in Galiläam. Christus Setzet euch hier, bis dass ich dort hingehe, und bete. Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. Evangelist Und nahm zu sich Petrum, und die zween Söhne And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedäi, und fing an zu trauern und zu zagen. Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very Da sprach Jesus zu ihnen: heavy. Then saith he unto them: 12 Christus Meine Seele ist betrübt bis an den Tod, bleibet hier und wachet mit mir. My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death, tarry ye here and watch with me. (Matthew 26: 36–8) 19 Recitative with Chorus Tenor O Schmerz! Hier zittert das gequälte Herz! Wie sinkt es hin, wie bleicht sein Angesicht! O grief! His heart throbs here in agony. How his face falls, how it blanches! Choir 2 Was ist die Ursach’ aller solcher Plagen? What is the cause of such suffering? Tenor Der Richter führt ihn vor Gericht. Da ist kein Trost, kein Helfer nicht. The judge brings him to judgment. There is no comfort, and no helper. Choir 2 Ach! Meine Sünden haben dich geschlagen! Alas, my sins have stricken thee! Tenor Er leidet alle Höllenqualen, Er soll vor fremden Raub bezahlen. He suffers all the pains of Hell, he must discharge the guilt of others. Choir 2 Ich, ach Herr Jesu, habe dies verschuldet, Was du erduldet! I, alas, Lord Jesus, have deserved what thou endurest! Tenor Ach, könnte meine Liebe dir, Mein Heil, dein Zittern und dein Zagen Vermindern oder helfen tragen, Wie gerne, wie gerne blieb’ ich hier! Oh, could my love for thee, my Saviour, make less, or help thee bear, thy shuddering and thy fear, how gladly, oh, how gladly would I stay here! 20 Aria (Tenor) with Chorus Ich will bei meinem Jesu wachen. I will keep watch with my Jesus. Choir 2 So schlafen unsre Sünden ein. So our sins fall to sleep. Tenor Meinen Tod büsset seine Seelennot, Sein Trauren machet mich voll Freuden. His soul’s distress redeems me from death; his grief fills me with joy. His glorious suffering, then, to us must be full bitter and yet sweet. 21 Recitative Evangelist Und ging hin ein wenig, fiel nieder auf sein Angesicht, und betete, und sprach: And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying: Christus Mein Vater, ist’s möglich, so gehe dieser Kelch von mir; doch nicht wie ich will, sondern wie du willst. O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. My Saviour falls before his Father; thereby he raises me – and us all from our fall into God’s grace once more. He is ready to taste the bitterness of death, to drink the cup into which the sins of this world, hideously stinking, have been poured, because it pleases the loving God so. 23 Aria (Bass) Gerne will ich mich bequemen, Kreuz und Becher anzunehmen, Trink’ ich doch dem Heiland nach. Denn sein Mund, Der mit Milch und Honig fliesset, Hat den Grund Und des Leidens herbe Schmach Durch den ersten Trunk versüsset. Gladly will I agree to take cross and cup upon myself, if I drink after my Redeemer. For his mouth, that flows with milk and honey, has sweetened the dregs and the bitter taste of suffering by drinking first. 24 Recitative Evangelist Und er kam zu seinen Jüngern, und fand sie schlafend, und sprach zu ihnen: And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto them: Christus Könnet ihr denn nicht eine Stunde mit mir wachen? Wachet und betet, dass ihr nicht in Anfechtung fallet! Der Geist ist willig, aber das Fleisch ist schwach. What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Evangelist Zum andernmal ging er hin, betete, und sprach: Christus Mein Vater, ist’s nicht möglich, dass dieser Kelch von mir gehe, ich trinke ihn denn, so geschehe dein Wille. He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying: O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. (Matthew 26: 40–42) 13 22 Recitative (Bass) Der Heiland fällt vor seinem Vater nieder; Dadurch erhebt er mich und alle von unserm Falle Hinauf zu Gottes Gnade wieder. Er ist bereit, den Kelch, Des Todes Bitterkeit zu trinken, In welchen Sünden dieser Welt Gegossen sind, und hässlich stinken, Weil es dem lieben Gott gefällt. Text Choir 2 Drum muss uns sein verdienstlich Leiden Recht bitter und doch süsse sein. 25 Chorale Was mein Gott will, das g’scheh’ allzeit, Sein Will’ der ist der beste; Zu helfen den’ er ist bereit, Die an ihn gläuben feste; Er hilft aus Not, Der fromme Gott, Und züchtiget mit Massen. Wer Gott vertraut, Fest auf ihn baut, Den will er nicht verlassen. What my God wills, so be it always; his will is best. He is ready to succour those who steadfastly believe in him; He helps in time of need, the gentle Lord, and punishes with moderation. The man who places his trust in God, and builds upon him surely, him he will not forsake. 26 Recitative Evangelist Und er kam und fand sie aber schlafend, und ihre Augen waren voll Schlaf’s. Und er liess sie, und ging abermal hin, und betete zum drittenmal, und redete dieselbigen Worte. Da kam er zu seinen Jüngern, und sprach zu ihnen: And he came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy. And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Then cometh he to his disciples and saith unto them: Christus Ach! Wollt ihr nun schlafen und ruhen? Siehe, die Stunde ist hier, dass des Menschen Sohn in der Sünder Hände überantwortet wird. Stehet auf, lasset uns gehen: siehe, er ist da, der mich verrät. Evangelist Und als er noch redete, siehe, da kam Judas, der Zwölfen einer, und mit ihm eine grosse Schar, mit Schwerten und mit Stangen, von den Hohenpriestern und Ältesten des Volks. Und der Verräter hatte ihnen ein Zeichen gegeben, und gesagt: ‘Welchen ich küssen werde, der ist’s, den greifet!’ Und alsbald trat er zu Jesu, und sprach: And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now he that had betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, ‘Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; hold him fast.’ And forthwith he came to Jesus and said: Judas Gegrüsset sei’st du, Rabbi! Hail, master! Evangelist Und küssete ihn. Jesus aber sprach zu ihm: And kissed him. And Jesus said unto him: Christus Mein Freund, warum bist du kommen? Friend, wherefore art thou come? Evangelist Da traten sie hinzu, und legten die Hände an Jesum, und griffen ihn. 14 Sleep on now, and take your rest; behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me. Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him. (Matthew 26: 43–50) Text So now my Jesus is taken. Choir 2 Lasst ihn, haltet, bindet nicht! Let him be, stop, do not bind him! Soprano and Alto Mond und Licht ist vor Schmerzen untergangen, Weil mein Jesus ist gefangen. Moon and stars for sorrow have gone down, because my Jesus has been taken. Choir 2 Lasst ihn, haltet, bindet nicht! Let him be, stop, do not bind him! Soprano and Alto Sie führen ihn, er ist gebunden. They lead him away, he is bound. 27b Chorus Choirs 1 and 2 Sind Blitze, sind Donner in Wolken verschwunden? Eröffne den feurigen Abgrund, o Hölle! Have thunder and lightning vanished in the clouds? Open the fiery abyss, O Hell! Choir 1 Zertrümmre … Destroy … Choir 2 … verderbe … … ruin … Choir 1 … verschlinge … … swallow up … Choir 2 … zerschelle … … dash in pieces … Choir 1 … mit plötzlicher Wut … … in sudden wrath … Choir 2 … mit plötzlicher Wut … … in sudden wrath … Choirs 1 and 2 … den falschen Verräter, das mördrische Blut! … the false betrayer, the murderous blood! 28 Recitative Evangelist Und siehe, einer aus denen, die mit Jesu waren, reckete die Hand aus, und schlug des Hohenpriesters Knecht, und hieb ihm ein Ohr ab. Da sprach Jesus zu ihm: And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus, stretched out his hand and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and smote off his ear. Then said Jesus unto him: Christus Stecke dein Schwert an seinen Ort; denn wer das Schwert nimmt, der soll durchs Schwert umkommen. Oder meinest du, dass ich nicht Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my 15 27a Duet (Soprano and Alto) with Chorus Soprano and Alto So ist mein Jesus nun gefangen. könnte meinen Vater bitten, dass er mir zuschickte mehr denn zwölf Legion Engel? Wie würde aber die Schrift erfüllet? Es muss also gehen. Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be? Evangelist Zu der Stund’ sprach Jesus zu den Scharen: In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes: Christus Ihr seid ausgegangen, als zu einem Mörder, mit Schwerten und mit Stangen, mich zu fahen; bin ich doch täglich bei euch gesessen, und habe gelehret im Tempel, und ihr habt mich nicht gegriffen. Aber das ist alles geschehen, dass erfüllet würden die Schriften der Propheten. Evangelist Da verliessen ihn alle Jünger, und flohen. 29 Chorale O Mensch, bewein’ dein’ Sünde gross; Darum Christus sein’s Vaters Schoss Äussert, und kam auf Erden. Von einer Jungfrau rein und zart Für uns er hie geboren ward, Er wollt’ der Mittler werden. Den Toten er das Leben gab, Und legt’ darbei all’ Krankheit ab, Bis sich die Zeit herdrange, Dass er für uns geopfert würd’, Trüg unsrer Sünden schwere Bürd’ Wohl an dem Kreuze lange. 16 interval 20 minutes Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me. But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled. (Matthew 26: 51–6) O man, weep for thy great sin; for this did Christ forsake his father’s bosom, and come on earth. Of a virgin pure and tender he was born here for us, he chose to be the mediator. He raised men from the dead and healed the sick until the hour came when, for us, he should be sacrificed, and bear the heavy burden of our sins full long upon the cross. Text PART 2 30 Aria (Alto) with Chorus Alto Ach, nun ist mein Jesus hin! Alas, my Jesus now is gone! Choir 2 Wo ist denn dein Freund hingegangen, O du Schönste unter den Weibern? Where has thy beloved gone, O thou fairest among women? Alto Ist es möglich, kann ich schauen? Is it possible? Can I believe my eyes? Choir 2 Wo hat sich dein Freund hingewandt? Where has thy beloved strayed? Alto Ach! Mein Lamm in Tigerklauen! Ach! Wo ist mein Jesus hin? Alas, my lamb in tigers’ talons! Oh, where has my Jesus gone? Choir 2 So wollen wir mit dir ihn suchen. Then we will seek him with thee. Alto Ach! Was soll ich der Seele sagen, Wenn sie mich wird ängstlich fragen? Ach! Wo ist mein Jesus hin? Alas, what shall I tell my soul, when it asks me in anguished fear? Oh, where is my Jesus gone? And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest’s palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end. Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; but found none. (Matthew 26: 57–60a) 32 Chorale Mir hat die Welt trüglich gericht’ Mit Lügen und mit falschem G’dicht, Viel Netz und heimlich Stricke. Herr, nimm mein wahr in dieser G’fahr, B’hüt’ mich für falschen Tücken! The world has played me false with lies and trickery, many a snare and secret trap. Lord, defend me in this peril, save me from false cunning. 33 Recitative Evangelist Und wiewohl viel falsche Zeugen herzutraten, funden sie doch keins. Zuletzt traten herzu zween falsche Zeugen, und sprachen: Yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses, and said: 17 31 Recitative (Evangelist) Die aber Jesum gegriffen hatten, führeten ihn zu dem Hohenpriester Kaiphas, dahin die Schriftgelehrten und Ältesten sich versammelt hatten. Petrus aber folgete ihm nach von ferne, bis in den Palast des Hohenpriesters und ging hinein, und satzte sich bei die Knechte, auf dass er sähe, wo es hinaus wollte. Die Hohenpriester aber und Ältesten, und der ganze Rat, suchten falsche Zeugnis wider Jesum, auf dass sie ihn töteten, und funden keines. False Witnesses Er hat gesagt: Ich kann den Tempel Gottes abbrechen, und in dreien Tagen denselben bauen. This fellow said: I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. Evangelist Und der Hohepriester stund auf, und sprach zu ihm: And the high priest arose, and said unto him: High Priest Antwortest du nichts zu dem, das diese wider dich zeugen? Answerest thou nothing? What is it which these witness against thee? Evangelist Aber Jesus schwieg stille. But Jesus held his peace. 34 Recitative (Tenor) Mein Jesus schweigt Zu falschen Lügen stille, Um uns damit zu zeigen, Dass sein Erbarmens voller Wille Vor uns zum Leider sei geneigt, Und dass wir in dergleichen Pein Ihm sollen ähnlich sein, Und in Verfolgung stille schweigen. My Jesus keeps silent faced with false lies, to show us thereby that his merciful will inclines to suffer for us, and that we in our distress should do as he, and under persecution hold our peace. 35 Aria (Tenor) Geduld, Geduld, Wenn mich falsche Zungen stechen. Leid’ ich wider meine Schuld, Schimpf und Spott, Ei! So mag der liebe Gott Meines Herzens Unschuld rächen. Patience, patience, when false tongues do sting me. If, beyond my deserts, I yet must suffer mockery and abuse, oh, then, may the dear Lord avenge my heart’s innocence! 36a Recitative Evangelist Und der Hohepriester antwortete, und sprach zu ihm: And the high priest answered and said unto him: 18 High Priest Ich beschwöre dich bei dem lebendigen Gott, dass du uns sagest, ob du seiest Christus, der Sohn Gottes? (Matthew 26: 60b–63a) I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be Christ, the Son of God. Evangelist Jesus sprach zu ihm: Jesus saith to him: Christus Du sagest’s. Doch sage ich euch: Von nun an wird’s geschehen, dass ihr sehen werdet des Menschen Sohn sitzen zur Rechten der Kraft, und kommen in den Wolken des Himmels. Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. High Priest Er hat Gott gelästert; was dürfen wir weiter Zeugnis? Siehe, jetzt habt ihr seine Gotteslästerung gehöret. Was dünket euch? He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? Behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy. What think ye? Evangelist Sie antworteten und sprachen: They answered and said: 36a Chorus Er ist des Todes schuldig! He is guilty of death! 36c Recitative (Evangelist) Da speieten sie aus in sein Angesicht, und schlugen ihn mit Fäusten. Etliche aber schlugen ihn ins Angesicht, und sprachen: Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands, saying: 36d Chorus Weissage, weissage, weissage uns, Christe, wer ist’s, der dich schlug? Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, who is he that smote thee? (Matthew 26: 63b–68) 37 Chorale Wer hat dich so geschlagen, Mein Heil, und dich mit Plagen So übel zugericht? Du bist ja nicht ein Sünder, Wie wir und unsre Kinder; Von Missetaten weisst du nicht. Who has beaten thee so, my Saviour, and with torments so cruelly vexed and plagued thee? Thou art no sinner, as we and our children are, of misdeeds thou knowest naught. 38a Recitative Evangelist Petrus aber sass draussen im Palast; und es trat zu ihm eine Magd, und sprach: Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying: First Maid Und du warest auch mit dem Jesu aus Galiläa. Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. Evangelist Er leugnete aber vor ihnen allen, und sprach: But he denied them all, saying: Peter Ich weiss nicht, was du sagest. I know not what thou sayest. Evangelist Als er aber zur Tür hinausging, sahe ihn eine andere, und sprach, zu denen, die da waren: Second Maid Dieser war auch mit dem Jesu von Nazareth. Text Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying: And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there: This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. 19 Evangelist Da zerriss der Hohepriester seine Kleider, und sprach: Evangelist Und er leugnete abermal, und schwur dazu: And again he denied with an oath: Peter Ich kenne des Menschen nicht. I do not know the man. Evangelist Und über eine kleine Weile traten hinzu, die da stunden, und sprachen zu Petro: And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said unto Peter: 38b Chorus Wahrlich, du bist auch einer von denen; denn deine Sprache verrät dich. Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech betrayeth thee. 38c Recitative Evangelist Da hub er an, sich zu verfluchen und zu schwören: Peter Ich kenne des Menschen nicht. 20 Evangelist Und alsbald krähete der Hahn. Da dachte Petrus an die Worte Jesu, da er zu ihm sagte: Ehe der Hahn krähen wird, wirst du mich dreimal verleugnen. Und ging heraus, und weinete bitterlich. Then began he to curse and to swear, saying: I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly. (Matthew 26: 69–75) 39 Aria (Alto) Erbarme dich, mein Gott, Um meiner Zähren willen. Schaue hier, Herz und Auge Weint vor dich bitterlich. Have mercy, my God, for the sake of my tears. See here before thee, heart and eyes weep bitterly. 40 Chorale Bin ich gleich von dir gewichen, Stell’ ich mich doch wieder ein; Hat uns doch dein Sohn verglichen Durch sein’ Angst und Todespein. Ich verleugne nicht die Schuld, Aber deine Gnad’ und Huld Ist viel grösser als die Sünde, Die ich stets in mir befinde. Though I turned away from thee, yet I have again returned; for thy son has reconciled us through his agony and mortal pain. I do not deny my offence, but thy mercy and thy grace are much greater than the sin I find forever present in me. 41a Recitative Evangelist Des Morgens aber hielten alle Hohepriester und die Ältesten des Volks einen Rat über Jesum, dass sie ihn töteten. Und bunden ihn, führeten ihn hin, und überantworteten ihn dem Landpfleger Pontio Pilato. Da das sahe Judas, der ihn verraten hatte, dass er verdammt war zum Tode, gereuete es ihn, und brachte When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate, the governor. Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying: Judas Ich habe übel getan, dass ich unschuldig Blut verraten habe. I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. Evangelist Sie sprachen: And they said: 41b Chorus Was gehet uns das an? Da siehe du zu. What is that to us? See thou to that. 41c Recitative Evangelist Und er warf die Silberlinge in den Tempel, hub sich davon, ging hin und erhängete sich selbst. Aber die Hohenpriester nahmen die Silberlinge, und sprachen: And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said: 42 Aria (Baritone) Gebt mir meinen Jesum wieder! Seht, das Geld, den Mörderlohn, Wirft euch der verlorne Sohn Zu den Füssen nieder. 43 Recitative Evangelist Sie hielten aber einen Rat, und kauften einen Töpfersacker darum, zum Begräbnis der Pilger. Daher ist derselbige Acker genennet der Blutacker, bis auf den heutigen Tag. Da ist erfüllet, das gesagt ist durch den Propheten Jeremias, da er spricht: ‘Sie haben genommen dreissig Silberlinge, damit bezahlet ward der Verkaufte, welchen sie kauften von den Kindern Israel; und haben sie gegeben um einen Töpfersacker, als mir der Herr befohlen hat.’ Jesus aber stund vor dem Landpfleger, und der Landpfleger fragte ihn, und sprach: It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. (Matthew 27: 1–6) Give me back my Jesus! Behold the money, the wages of murder, the lost son flings it down at your feet. And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in. Wherefore that field was called the field of blood, unto this day. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, ‘And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value, and gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord appointed me.’ And Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, saying: Pilate Bist du der Juden König? Art thou the King of the Jews? Evangelist Jesus aber sprach zu ihm: And Jesus said unto them: Christus Du sagest’s. Thou sayest. 21 Chief Priests Es taugt nicht, dass wir sie in den Gotteskasten legen, denn es ist Blutgeld. Text herwieder die dreissig Silberlinge den Hohenpriestern und Ältesten, und sprach: Evangelist Und da er verklagt war von den Hohenpriestern und Ältesten, antwortete er nichts. Da sprach Pilatus zu ihm: Pilate Hörest du nicht, wie hart sie dich verklagen? Evangelist Und er antwortete ihm nicht auf ein Wort, also, dass sich auch der Landpfleger sehr verwunderte. 44 Chorale Befiehl du deine Wege Und was dein Herze kränkt Der allertreusten Pflege Des, der den Himmel lenkt. Der Wolken, Luft und Winden Gibt Wege, Lauf und Bahn, Der wird auch Wege finden Da dein Fuss gehen kann! 45a Recitative Evangelist Auf das Fest aber hatte der Landpfleger Gewohnheit, dem Volk einen Gefangenen loszugeben, welchen sie wollten. Er hatte aber zu der Zeit einen Gefangenen, einen sonderlichen vor andern, der hiess Barabbas. Und da sie versammelt waren, sprach Pilatus zu ihnen: Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? And he answered to him never a word: insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly. (Matthew 27: 7–14) Commend thy ways and whatever ails thy heart to the most faithful care of him who directs the heavens. He that orders the paths, ways and courses of the clouds, winds and air, will find ways also for thy feet to go! Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them: Pilate Welchen wollet ihr, dass ich euch losgebe? Barabbam, oder Jesum, von dem gesaget wird, er sei Christus? Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? Evangelist Denn er wusste wohl, dass sie ihn aus Neid überantwortet hatten. Und da er auf dem Richtstuhl sass, schickete sein Weib zu ihm und liess ihm sagen: For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. When he was set down on the judgement seat, his wife sent unto him, saying: Pilate’s Wife Habe du nichts zu schaffen mit diesem Gerechten, ich habe heute viel erlitten im Traum von seinetwegen! 22 And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. Then Pilate said unto him: Evangelist Aber die Hohenpriester und die Ältesten überredeten das Volk, dass sie um Barabbas bitten sollten, und Jesum umbrächten. Da antwortete nun der Landpfleger, und sprach zu ihnen: Have thou nothing to do with that just man, for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him! But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said unto them: Which of the twain will ye that I release unto you? Evangelist Sie sprachen: They said: Chorus Barabbam! Barabbas! Evangelist Pilatus sprach zu ihnen: Pilate saith unto them: Pilate Was soll ich denn machen mit Jesu, von dem gesagt wird, er sei Christus? What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? Evangelist Sie sprachen alle: They all said unto him: 45b Chorus Lass ihn kreuzigen! Let him be crucified! 46 Chorale Wie wunderbarlich ist doch diese Strafe! Der gute Hirte leidet für die Schafe, Die Schuld bezahlt der Herre, der Gerechte, Für seine Knechte. How wondrous strange indeed is this punishment! The good shepherd suffers for the sheep, the master, upright and just, pays his servant’s debt. 47 Recitative Evangelist Der Landpfleger sagte: And the governor said: Pilate Was hat er denn Übels getan? Why, what evil hath he done? 48 Recitative (Soprano) Er hat uns allen wohlgetan. Den Blinden gab er das Gesicht, Die Lahmen macht’ er gehend; Er sagt’ uns seines Vaters Wort, Er trieb die Teufel fort; Betrübte hat er aufgericht; Er nahm die Sünder auf und an; Sonst hat mein Jesus nichts getan. He has done good to us all. To the blind he gave sight, he made the lame to walk; he preached his Father’s word to us, he cast out evil spirits; the downcast he took up; he raised and took unto him sinners; else has my Jesus nothing done. 49 Aria (Soprano) Aus Liebe will mein Heiland sterben Von einer Sünde weiss er nichts, Dass das ewige Verderben Und die Strafe des Gerichts Nicht auf meiner Seele bliebe. For love will my Redeemer die (he is unacquainted with sin), so that eternal damnation and the penalty of judgement may not rest upon my soul. Text Pilate Welchen wollt ihr unter diesen zweien, den ich euch soll losgeben? (Matthew 27: 15–22) 23 (Matthew 27: 23a) 50a Recitative (Evangelist) Sie schrieen aber noch mehr, und sprachen: But they cried out the more, saying: 50b Chorus Lass ihn kreuzigen! Let him be crucified! 50c Recitative Evangelist Da aber Pilatus sahe, dass er nichts schaffete, sondern dass ein viel grösser Getümmel ward, nahm er Wasser, und wusch die Hände vor dem Volk, und sprach: When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying: Pilate Ich bin unschuldig an dem Blut dieses Gerechten: sehet ihr zu. I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. Evangelist Da antwortete das ganze Volk, und sprach: Then answered all the people, and said: 50d Chorus Sein Blut komme über uns und unsre Kinder! His blood be on us, and on our children! 24 50e Recitative (Evangelist) Da gab er ihnen Barabbam los; aber Jesum liess er geisseln, und überantwortete ihn, dass er gekreuziget würde. Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. (Matthew 27: 23b–26) 51 Recitative (Alto) Erbarm es Gott! Hier steht der Heiland angebunden. O Geisselung, o Schläg, o Wunden! Ihr Henker, haltet ein! Erweichet euch der Seelen Schmerz, Der Anblick solches Jammers nicht? Ach ja! Ihr habt ein Herz, Das muss der Martersäule gleich Und noch viel härter sein. Erbarmt euch, haltet ein! Have mercy O God! Here stands the Saviour bound. O scourging, O blows, O wounds! You butchers, stay your hands! Does the suffering of his soul and the sight of such distress not soften you? Why, yes, you have hearts! They must be like the pillar of his martyrdom, and harder yet by far. Have mercy, stay your hands! 52 Aria (Alto) Können Tränen meiner Wangen Nichts erlangen, O, so nehmt mein Herz hinein! Aber lasst es bei den Fluten, Wenn die Wunden milde bluten, Auch die Opferschale sein. If the tears on my cheeks are of no avail, oh then, take my heart! But let it also be the sacrificial chalice for the drops that flow from his gently bleeding wounds. 53a Recitative (Evangelist) Da nahmen die Kriegsknechte des Landpflegers Jesum zu sich in das Richthaus, und sammelten über ihn die ganze Schar; und zogen ihn aus, und legeten ihm einen Purpurmantel an; und flochten eine Dornenkrone, und setzten sie auf sein Haupt, und ein Rohr in seine rechte Hand, Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers; and they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe; and when they had plaited a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand, and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying: 53b Chorus Gegrüsset seist du, Judenkönig! Hail, King of the Jews! Text und beugeten die Knie vor ihm, und spotteten ihn, und sprachen: 53c Recitative (Evangelist) Und speieten ihn an, und nahmen das Rohr, und And they spat upon him, and took the reed, and schlugen damit sein Haupt. smote him on the head. (Matthew 27: 27–30) 54 Chorale O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden, Voll Schmerz und voller Hohn! O Haupt, zu Spott gebunden Mit einer Dornenkron’! O Haupt, sonst schön gezieret Mit höchster Ehr’ und Zier, Jetzt aber hoch schimpfieret: Gegrüsset seist du mir! O head marked with blood and wounds, full of pain and scorned! O head, bound for mockery with a crown of thorns! O head, once splendidly adorned with highest honour and radiance, but now how greatly outraged: receive my homage! Du edles Angesichte, Dafür sonst schrickt und scheut Das grosse Weltgewichte, Wie bist du so bespeit! Wie bist du so erbleichet, Wer hat dein Augenlicht, Dem sonst kein Licht nicht gleichet, So schändlich zugericht’? Thou noble countenance, before which, otherwhiles, the last tremendous judgement recoils and is affrighted, how art thou spat upon! How is it thou art so pallid and so wan? Who has so shamefully obscured the light of thine eyes, the which no other light can equal, to such a pitiful state? And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross. (Matthew 27: 31–2) 56 Recitative (Baritone) Ja, freilich will in uns das Fleisch und Blut Zum Kreuz gezwungen sein; Je mehr es unsrer Seele gut, Je herber geht es ein. Yea, this flesh and blood of ours will gladly be compelled to bear the cross; the better for our souls it is, the bitterer it is. 57 Aria (Baritone) Komm, süsses Kreuz, so will ich sagen, Mein Jesu, gib es immer her! Wird mir mein Leiden einst zu schwer, So hilfst du mir es selber tragen. Come, sweet cross, then I will say, my Jesus, lay it on me! Should my suffering ever prove too great help thou me then to bear it. 58a Recitative (Evangelist) Und da sie an die Stätte kamen mit Namen Golgatha, das ist verdeutschet Schädelstätt’, gaben sie ihm Essig zu trinken mit Gallen vermischet; und da er’s schmeckete, wollte er’s And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, they gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall; and when he had tasted thereof, he would 25 55 Recitative (Evangelist) Und da sie ihn verspottet hatten, zogen sie ihm den Mantel aus, und zogen ihm sein Kleider an, und führeten ihn hin, dass sie ihn kreuzigten. Und indem sie hinausgingen, funden sie einen Menschen von Kyrene, mit Namen Simon; den zwungen sie, dass er ihm sein Kreuz trug. nicht trinken. Da sie ihn aber gekreuziget hatten, teilten sie seine Kleider, und wurfen das Los darum; auf dass erfüllet würde, das gesagt ist durch den Propheten: ‘Sie haben meine Kleider unter sich geteilet, und über mein Gewand haben sie das Los geworfen.’ Und sie sassen allda, und hüteten sein. Und oben zu seinen Häupten hefteten sie die Ursach seines Todes beschrieben, nämlich: ‘Dies ist Jesus, der Juden König.’ Und da wurden zween Mörder mit ihm gekreuziget, einer zur Rechten, und einer zur Linken. Die aber vorübergingen lästerten ihn, und schüttelten ihre Köpfe, und sprachen: 58b Chorus Der du den Tempel Gottes zerbrichst, und bauest ihn in dreien Tagen, hilf dir selber! Bist du Gottes Sohn, so steig herab vom Kreuz! 58c Recitative (Evangelist) Desgleichen auch die Hohenpriester spotteten sein, samt den Schriftgelehrten und Ältesten, und sprachen: 58d Chorus Andern hat er geholfen, und kann ihm selber nicht helfen. Ist er der König Israel, so steige er nun vom Kreuz, so wollen wir ihm glauben. Er hat Gott vertrauet, der erlöse ihn nun, lüstet’s ihn; denn er hat gesagt: Ich bin Gottes Sohn. 26 58e Recitative (Evangelist) Desgleichen schmäheten ihn auch die Mörder, die mit ihm gekreuziget waren. not drink. And they crucified him and parted his garments, casting lots; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets: ‘They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.’ And sitting down they watched him there. And set up over his head his accusation written: ‘This is Jesus the King of the Jews.’ Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, and saying: Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders said: He saved others: himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth. (Matthew 27: 33–44) 59 Recitative (Alto) Ach, Golgatha, unsel’ges Golgatha! Der Herr der Herrlichkeit Muss schimpflich hier verderben, Der Segen und das Heil der Welt Wird als ein Fluch ans Kreuz gestellt. Der Schöpfer Himmels und der Erden Soll Erd und Luft entzogen werden; Die Unschuld muss hier schuldig sterben: Das gehet meiner Seele nah: Ach, Golgatha, unsel’ges Golgatha! Ah, Golgotha, unhappy Golgotha! The King of Glory must basely pass away here, the blessing and salvation of the world is set, like a curse, upon the cross. The maker of heaven and earth shall be deprived of earth and air; the guiltless one must die here guilty: it pierces my soul to the very quick. Ah, Golgotha, unhappy Golgotha! 60 Aria (Alto) with Chorus Alto Sehet! Sehet, Jesus hat die Hand, Uns zu fassen ausgespannt; kommt! Behold! See, Jesus has his hand outstretched to grasp us; come! Choir 2 Wohin? Where? In Jesu’s arms. Seek salvation, receive grace; seek! Choir 2 Wo? Where? Alto In Jesu Armen. Lebet, lebet, sterbet, ruhet hier, Ihr verlass’nen Küchlein ihr, Bleibet … In Jesu’s arms. Live, live, die, repose here, ye forsaken lambs ye, remain … Choir 2 Wo? Where? Alto … in Jesu Armen. … in Jesu’s arms. 61a Recitative Evangelist Und von der sechsten Stunde an war eine Finsternis über das ganze Land, bis zu der neunten Stunde. Und um die neunte Stunde schriee Jesus laut, und sprach: Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying: Christus Eli, Eli, lama asabthani? Eli, Eli, lama asabthani? Text Alto In Jesu Armen. Sucht Erlösung, nehmt Erbarmen; Suchet! Evangelist Das ist: Mein Gott, mein Gott, warum hast du That is to say, my God, my God, why hast thou mich verlassen? Etliche aber, die da standen, da forsaken me? Some of them that stood there, sie das höreten, sprachen sie: when they heard that, said: 61b Chorus Der rufet dem Elias! This man calleth for Elias! 61c Recitative (Evangelist) Und bald lief einer unter ihnen, nahm einen And straightway one of them ran, and took a Schwamm, und füllete ihn mit Essig, und steckete sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a ihn auf ein Rohr, und tränkete ihn. Die Andern reed, and gave him to drink. The rest said: aber sprachen: 61e Recitative (Evangelist) Aber Jesus schriee abermal laut, und verschied. 62 Chorale Wenn ich einmal soll scheiden, So scheide nicht von mir. Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him. Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. (Matthew 27: 45–50) When at last I must depart, depart thou not then from me. 27 61d Chorus Halt, halt, lass sehen, ob Elias komme, und ihm helfe? Wenn ich den Tod soll leiden, So tritt du dann herfür! Wenn mir am allerbängsten Wird um das Herze sein, So reiss mich aus den Ängsten Kraft deiner Angst und Pein! When I must endure death, hasten thou then hither! When my heart is most afraid, snatch me out of anguish through thine own anguish and pain! 63a Recitative (Evangelist) Und siehe da, der Vorhang im Tempel zerriss in zwei Stück, von obenan bis untenaus; und die Erde erbebete, und die Felsen zerrissen, und die Gräber täten sich auf, und stunden auf viel Leiber der Heiligen, die da schliefen; und gingen aus den Gräbern nach seiner Auferstehung, und kamen in die heilige Stadt, und erschienen vielen. Aber der Hauptmann, und die bei ihm waren, und bewahreten Jesum, da sie sahen das Erdbeben, und was da geschah, erschraken sie sehr, und sprachen: And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying: 63b Chorus Wahrlich, dieser ist Gottes Sohn gewesen. 63c Recitative (Evangelist) Und es waren viel Weiber da, die von ferne zusahen, die da waren nachgefolget aus Galiläa, und hatten ihm gedienet; unter welchen war Maria Magdalena, und Maria, die Mutter Jacobi und Joses, und die Mutter der Kinder Zebedäi. Am Abend aber kam ein reicher Mann von Arimathia, der hiess Joseph, welcher auch ein Jünger Jesu war, der ging zu Pilato, und bat ihn um den Leichnam Jesu. Da befahl Pilatus, man sollte ihm ihn geben. 28 64 Recitative (Bass) Am Abend, da es kühle war, Ward Adams Fallen offenbar; Am Abend drücket ihn der Heiland nieder; Am Abend kam die Taube wieder Und trug ein Ölblatt in dem Munde. O schöne Zeit! O Abendstunde! Der Friedensschluss ist nun mit Gott gemacht: Denn Jesus hat sein Kreuz vollbracht. Sein Leichnam kömmt zur Ruh. Ach! Liebe Seele, bitte du, Geh, lasse dir den toten Jesum schenken, O heilsames, o köstlich’s Angedenken! Truly, this was the Son of God. And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him; among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s children. When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’s disciple. He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. (Matthew 27: 51–8) At evening, when it was cool, Adam’s fall was manifest; at evening the Saviour redeemed it; at evening the dove returned again bearing an olive leaf in its beak. O lovely time! O evening hour! Peace with God is now concluded; for Jesus has endured his cross; his body comes to rest. O dear soul, ask thou, go, bid them give thee the dead Jesus, O most holy, O precious memorial! Purify thyself, my heart, I myself will bury Jesus. For he shall henceforth evermore sweetly take his rest in me. World, go hence, let Jesus in! 66a Recitative (Evangelist) Und Joseph nahm den Leib, und wickelte ihn in ein rein Leinwand, und legte ihn in sein eigen neu Grab, welches er hatte lassen in einen Fels hauen; und wälzete einen grossen Stein vor die Tür des Grabes, und ging davon. Es war aber allda Maria Magdalena, und die andere Maria, die satzten sich gegen das Grab. Des andern Tages, der da folget nach dem Rüsttage, kamen die Hohenpriester und Pharisäer sämtlich zu Pilato, und sprachen: And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock; and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre. Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, saying: 66b Chorus Herr, wir haben gedacht, dass dieser Verführer sprach, da er noch lebete: Ich will nach dreien Tagen wieder auferstehen. Darum befiehl, dass man das Grab verwahre bis an den dritten Tag, auf dass nicht seine Jünger kommen, und stehlen ihn, und sagen zu dem Volk: Er ist auferstanden von den Toten; und werde der letzte Betrug ärger, denn der erste! 66c Recitative Evangelist Pilatus sprach zu ihnen: Text 65 Aria (Bass) Mache dich, mein Herze, rein, Ich will Jesum selbst begraben. Denn er soll nunmehr in mir Für und für Seine süsse Ruhe haben. Welt, geh’ aus, lass Jesum ein! Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, he is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first! Pilate said unto them: Pilate Da habt ihr die Hüter; gehet hin, und verwahret’s, Ye have a watch; go your way, make it as sure wie ihr wisset. as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone and setting a watch. (Matthew 27: 59–66) 67 Recitative (Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass) with Chorus Bass Nun ist der Herr zur Ruh’ gebracht. Now the Lord is laid to rest. Choir 2 Mein Jesu, mein Jesu, gute Nacht! My Jesu, now goodnight! Tenor Die Müh’ ist aus, die unsre Sünden ihm gemacht. The toil our sins did make for him is done. 29 Evangelist Sie gingen hin, und verwahreten das Grab mit Hütern, und versiegelten den Stein. Choir 2 Mein Jesu, mein Jesu, gute Nacht! Alto O selige Gebeine, Seht, wie ich euch mit Buss und Reu beweine, Dass euch mein Fall in solche Not gebracht! 30 Choir 2 Mein Jesu, mein Jesu, gute Nacht! My Jesu, now goodnight! O sacred body, see how, repentant and filled with remorse, I mourn thee, that my fall should have brought thee to such distress! My Jesu, now goodnight! Soprano Habt lebenslang Vor euer Leiden tausend Dank, Dass ihr mein Seelenheil so wert geacht’. As long as life shall last, be thanked for thy passion a thousand times, that thou held’st my soul’s welfare so dear. Choir 2 Mein Jesu, mein Jesu, gute Nacht! My Jesu, now goodnight! 68 Chorus Choirs 1 and 2 Wir setzen uns mit Tränen nieder Und rufen dir im Grabe zu: Ruhe sanfte, sanfte ruh’! We sit upon the ground in tears and call to thee in the grave: sweet repose, rest sweetly! Choir 1 Ruh’t, ihr ausgesognen Glieder! Rest, you weary limbs! Choir 2 Ruhet sanfte, ruhet wohl! Gently rest, rest well! Choir 1 Euer Grab und Leichenstein Soll dem ängstlichen Gewissen Ein bequemes Ruhekissen Und der Seelen Ruhstatt … Your sepulchre and tombstone to the troubled conscience a soft pillow and for the soul a resting place … Choir 1 Ruhet sanfte, sanfte ruh’t! Rest sweetly, sweet repose! Choir 1 … der Seelen Ruhstatt sein. Höchst vergnügt, Schlummern da die Augen ein. … for the soul a resting place shall be. In highest contentment, eyes close there in slumber. Choirs 1 and 2 Wir setzen uns mit Tränen nieder Und rufen dir im Grabe zu: Ruhe sanfte, sanfte ruh’! We sit upon the ground in tears and call to thee in the grave: sweet repose, rest sweetly! Text by Christian Friedrich Henrici, alias Picander (1700–64), and the Gospel according to St Matthew, Chapters 26 and 27 Translation of the Picander text by Peggy Cochrane, reproduced by kind permission of Decca International Sim Canetty-Clarke and of King’s College, Cambridge. In 2008 he received the prestigious Royal Academy of Music Bach Prize. He was made Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur in 2011 and was given the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 2005. In the UK, he was made a Commander of the British Empire in 1990 and awarded a knighthood for his services to music in the 1998 Queen’s Birthday Honours List. In 2013, following the publication of his longawaited book on Bach, Music in the Castle of Heaven (Penguin), he won the Critics’ Circle’s Outstanding Musician award. In 2014 he became the first ever President of the Bach Archive in Leipzig. He became the inaugural Christoph Wolff Distinguished Visiting Scholar at Harvard University in 2014/15 and has recently been awarded the Amsterdam Concertgebouw Prize. Sir John Eliot Gardiner Sir John Eliot Gardiner conductor In recognition of his work, Sir John Eliot Gardiner has received several international prizes, and honorary doctorates from the University of Cambridge, the University of Lyon, the New England Conservatory of Music, the University of Pavia and the University of St Andrews. He is an Honorary Member of the Royal Academy of Music, an Honorary Fellow of King’s College, London, of the British Academy Mark Padmore Mark Padmore Evangelist Mark Padmore has an international career in opera, concert and recital. His appearances in Bach’s Passions have gained particular notice, especially his acclaimed performances as the Evangelist in the St Matthew and St John Passions with the Berlin Philharmonic under Sir Simon Rattle, in Peter Sellars’s staging, which he has performed in Berlin, Salzburg, New York and at the BBC Proms. He appears with the world’s leading orchestras, including the Munich Radio Orchestra, the 31 The extent of his repertoire is illustrated by over 250 recordings for major record companies and by numerous international awards including the Gramophone Special Achievement Award for live recordings of the complete church cantatas of J S Bach on the Soli Deo Gloria label. Marco Borggreve Sir John Eliot Gardiner is one of the most versatile and sought after conductors of our time. Founder and artistic director of the Monteverdi Choir, the English Baroque Soloists and the Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique, he appears regularly with leading symphony orchestras such as the Leipzig Gewandhaus, London Symphony, Royal Concertgebouw and Bayerischer Rundfunk orchestras and at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Acknowledged as a key figure in the early music revival of the past four decades, he has led his own ensembles in a number of groundbreaking projects and international tours, including the year-long Bach Cantata Pilgrimage. About the performers About the performers Berlin, New York and Vienna Philharmonic orchestras, London Symphony Orchestra, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Philharmonia and Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. Camerata; and Father Trulove (The Rake’s Progress) on a European tour. Recitals include a return to the Wigmore Hall and a series of concerts at the Oxford Lieder Festival. Recent opera highlights include Sir Harrison Birtwistle’s The Corridor and The Cure (Aldeburgh Festival and London); Handel’s Jephtha (Welsh National Opera and English National Opera); Captain Vere (Billy Budd) and the Evangelist in a staged St Matthew Passion (Glyndebourne Festival); Peter Quint in an acclaimed BBC TV production of Britten’s The Turn of the Screw and a recording of the title-role in La clemenza di Tito under René Jacobs for Harmonia Mundi. Plans include George Benjamin’s Written on Skin at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Recent highlights include Britten’s War Requiem with the Melbourne and Sapporo Symphony orchestras; Mozart’s Requiem with the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra under Bernard Labadie and his Mass in C minor with Olari Elts in Portugal; Beethoven’s Symphony No 9 and Penderecki’s Three Chinese Songs with the Ulster Orchestra; Berlioz’s L’enfance du Christ with the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra and Robin Ticciati; Haydn’s The Creation with the Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra, The Seasons with the Semperoper Dresden and The Seven Last Words with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra; Kaija Saariaho’s The Tempest Songbook with the Scharoun Ensemble at the Cologne Philharmonie; Mozart’s Coronation Mass and Haydn’s Stabat mater with the Ensemble Orchestral de Paris and Fabio Biondi and regular appearances with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. He has given recitals worldwide, including regular appearances at the Wigmore Hall and Oxford Lieder Festival, as well as at Carnegie Hall, New York, the Amsterdam Concertgebouw, Vienna Konzerthaus, Klavierfestival Ruhr, La Monnaie, Brussels, Schleswig-Holstein Festival, Santiago de Compostela and the Vocal Arts Series in Washington with pianists Roger Vignoles, Simon Lepper, Iain Burnside, Alexander Schmalcz, Eugene Asti and Llŷr Williams. Alexander Barnes Mark Padmore gives recitals worldwide. He appears frequently at the Wigmore Hall, where he has twice sung all three Schubert song-cycles. He has also performed them in Vienna and Paris. His award-winning recordings include a disc of Handel arias, As Steals the Morn; the Schubert song-cycles with Paul Lewis; Schumann’s Dichterliebe; Britten’s Serenade and Nocturne and Finzi’s Dies natalis with the Britten Sinfonia (all on Harmonia Mundi); and a DVD of the staged St Matthew Passion under Rattle. He is Artistic Director of the St Endellion Summer Music Festival. Stephan Loges Christus 32 Born in Dresden, Stephan Loges studied at Berlin’s Hochshule der Künste and the Guildhall School of Music & Drama; he was an early winner of the Wigmore Hall International Song Competition. Plans this season and beyond include Golaud (Pélleas et Mélisande) with English Touring Opera; Mozart’s Requiem with the Manchester Rolf Franke Stephan Loges Hannah Morrison Hannah Morrison soprano Soprano Hannah Morrison collaborates regularly with Sir John Eliot Gardiner, under whose direction she made her Salzburg Festival debut in 2013 in Handel’s Alexander’s Feast. About the performers This season she has performed with Masaaki Suzuki and Bach Collegium Japan in Bach’s Mass in B minor, sung Mozart concert arias with Stefan Blunier and the Bonn Beethoven Orchestra and given recitals at the Potsdam Music Festival and at the Beethovenhaus in Bonn. In May she performs at the Cologne Philharmonie with pianist Joseph Middleton. Liz Linder Highlights since have included Schumann’s Das Paradies und die Peri and Brahms’s Ein Deutsches Requiem with the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra in 2014. She regularly makes guest appearances with Les Arts Florissants under Paul Agnew. She has also given vocal recitals in the UK at the Oxford Lieder Festival and in London venues including Kings Place and the Wigmore Hall. Reginald Mobley Reginald Mobley alto Countertenor Reginald Mobley, a longtime member of twice Grammy-nominated ensemble Seraphic Fire, has also appeared with Agave Baroque, Les Voix Baroques, Apollo’s Fire, Pacific Music Works, Symphony Nova Scotia, San Antonio Symphony Orchestra, the Handel and Haydn Society and at the Boston Early Music and Oregon Bach festivals. For the Handel and Haydn Society he was also the first black person to lead the ensemble in its 200-year history. He has an equal interest in non-classical music, ranging from musical theatre to cabaret shows of gospel and jazz in Tokyo. Eleanor Minney Clare Wilkinson Clare Wilkinson alto Particularly passionate about Bach and Byrd, Clare Wilkinson spends her time making music with groups of different shapes and sizes – be they Baroque orchestra, consort of viols, lute song or vocal consort. She has had numerous new works written for her, several of which she premiered at the Wigmore Hall. She has recorded very widely, and a number of her discs have won Gramophone awards. 33 Eleanor Minney gained a first-class honours degree in vocal studies from London’s Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music. On graduating she was the recipient of the Wilfred Greenhouse Allt Prize for cantata and oratorio performance. Recent solo highlights include Bach’s Mass in B minor and Trauerode with Sir John Eliot Gardiner and the English Baroque Soloists, Bach’s St Matthew Passion and Monteverdi’s Vespers with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, a series of recitals with Baroque violinist Davina Clarke and solo recitals at London’s St Martin-in-the-Fields, Cadogan Hall, and St George’s, Hanover Square. Eleanor Minney is a 2015–16 Young Artist and resident recitalist at the Handel House Museum, London. Marco Borggreve Eleanor Minney alto Britten-Pears Young Artist and a soloist for the Kohn Foundation Bach Cantata Series. In 2015 he won the Joan Chissell Schumann Lieder Prize, the Elena Gerhardt Lieder Prize, and the Oxford Lieder Young Artist Platform. Nicholas is grateful for the support of the Drake Calleja Trust, Lady Clare Fund, George Law, and the Countess of Munster Musical Trust. He studied at Clare College, Cambridge, and was an apprentice in the Monteverdi Choir. Alex Ashworth Alex Ashworth bass Alex Ashworth is in demand across Europe and the United Kingdom. He studied at the Royal Academy of Music and has sung at leading opera houses, including Glyndebourne Festival Opera, Welsh National Opera and Scottish Opera. Abroad, he has performed for the Opéra Comique in Paris, Opéra de Lille and the Icelandic Opera. On the concert platform he has worked with conductors including Sir John Eliot Gardiner, Colin Davis and Paul McCreesh. His recordings include Monteverdi’s Vespers, Bach’s Mass in B minor, Stravinsky’s Oedipus rex and Granados’s opera María del Carmen. Ashley Riches Ashley Riches bass Ashley Riches studied at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and subsequently was a member of the Young Artists programme at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. His operatic appearances have included Michael in the premiere of Glare by Søren Nils Eichberg at the Linbury Studio Theatre; Guglielmo (Così fan tutte) at Garsington Opera; and Keeper of the Madhouse (The Rake’s Progress) with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra under Robin Ticciati. Nicholas Mogg Nicholas Mogg bass 34 Nicholas Mogg studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London where he is the recipient of the Baroness de Turckheim Award. He is a His broad and varied repertoire on the concert platform includes Verdi’s Requiem, Britten’s War Requiem and Shostakovich’s Orango. Highlights this season include his debut at English National Opera as Schaunard (La bohème) and the role of Creon (Oedipus rex) with the Berlin Philharmonic under Sir John Eliot Gardiner. The Choir’s many recordings include John Rutter’s Bang, an opera written for the boys, Britten’s A Boy was Born with the BBC Symphony Chorus, Walton’s Henry V with the BBC Symphony Jonathan Sells Orchestra and BBC Singers and Orff’s Carmina burana with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Jonathan Sells bass The Choir’s appearances on television have included The Royal Variety Performance, the Jonathan Sells studied at the Guildhall School Pride of Britain Awards and Children in Need. of Music & Drama, where he won a number of Last year the boys featured alongside the prizes. He was then a member of the International Gabrieli Consort in a BBC2 documentary about Opera Studio, Zurich, from 2010 to 2012. the early London performances of Handel’s Messiah. The boys can also be heard on the In concert, he has appeared as a soloist at the soundtracks of the Disney blockbuster Maleficent, Berlin Philharmonie, Château de Versailles, Angelina Jolie’s Unbroken and The Hunger Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Zurich Tonhalle Games: Mockingjay 1 and Mockingjay 2. and at the BBC Proms, under William Christie, Roger Norrington, and Ton Koopman, among Forthcoming engagements include tours others. He has appeared in recital at the to China, Germany, Bahrain and Italy. Wigmore Hall, for Liedrezital Zurich and ‘Das Lied’ (Bern). In May he will perform in Bern’s Kulturcasino with Les Passions de l’Ame and Monteverdi Choir his Baroque collective, Solomon’s Knot. Under the patronage of HRH the Prince of Wales Trinity Boys Choir has recently celebrated its 50th anniversary since its first professional engagement in 1965. The boys frequently appear on such prestigious stages as Glyndebourne, the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, English National Opera and various opera houses abroad. The Choir is especially well known for its role in Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, in which it has appeared in over 150 professional performances, on DVD and on CD. Recent operatic engagements include performances at the Royal Opera House, Glyndebourne, English National Opera, the Aix-en-Provence Festival and theatres in the USA, Belgium, Israel and Italy. On the concert platform, the Choir is regularly invited to perform at the BBC Proms, and was honoured to perform in Her Majesty the Queen’s 80th-Birthday Prom Concert at the Royal Albert Hall in 2006. The boys have performed with all the major London orchestras, and with Sir John Eliot Gardiner and his Monteverdi Choir Founded by Sir John Eliot Gardiner as part of the breakaway period-instrument movement of the 1960s, the Monteverdi Choir has always focused on bringing a new perspective to its repertoire. With a combination of passion and historically informed performance practice, its real difference as an ensemble lies in its ability to communicate music to its audiences worldwide. This approach has led to the Monteverdi Choir being consistently acclaimed as one of the best choirs in the world over the past 50 years. The Monteverdi Choir has over 150 recordings to its name and has won numerous prizes. Among a number of trail-blazing tours was the Bach Cantata Pilgrimage, during which the Choir performed all 198 of J S Bach’s sacred cantatas in churches throughout Europe and America. The project was recorded by Soli Deo Gloria, the company’s own record label, and garnered huge critical acclaim. The Choir is also committed to training future generations of singers through the Monteverdi 35 Trinity Boys Choir About the performers in Spain, Germany, Italy and the UK. Trinity Boys Choir has also been invited to perform in Vienna with the Vienna Boys’ Choir, as well as throughout Europe and Asia. Soloists from the Choir have recently appeared at the Krakow Film Festival, the Amsterdam Concertgebouw and in Vienna’s Konzerthaus. Apprentices Programme. Many Apprentices go on to become full members of the Choir, and former Choir members have also gone on to enjoy successful solo careers. Monteverdi to Mozart and Haydn, while their ability to communicate music to their audiences, presenting their repertoire as living dialogue, sets them apart. Last year, the Choir took part in a variety of projects – from a tour and recording of Bach’s Mass in B minor with the English Baroque Soloists, to a tour of the USA with Monteverdi’s Vespers and L’Orfeo. In 2015, the Monteverdi Choir also collaborated with the Tonhalle Orchestra in Janáček’s Glagolitic Mass under the direction of Sir John Eliot Gardiner. The ensemble has performed at many of the world’s most prestigious venues, including La Scala in Milan, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam and the Sydney Opera House. In the course of the 1990s they performed Mozart’s seven mature operas and recorded all Mozart’s mature symphonies and his complete piano concertos. The Choir has also participated in several staged opera productions including, most recently, Gluck’s Orphée et Eurydice at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, last September. Other opera productions include Le Freyschütz (2010) and Carmen (2009) at the Opéra Comique in Paris, and in 2003 the Choir performed Les Troyens at the Théâtre du Châtelet. The Choir’s next landmark project will be a tour with the English Baroque Soloists to mark the 450th anniversary of Monteverdi’s birth in 2017. English Baroque Soloists Under the patronage of HRH the Prince of Wales Founded in 1978 by Sir John Eliot Gardiner, the English Baroque Soloists have always sought to challenge preconceptions of Baroque and early Classical music. Combining the untamed sound of period instruments with passionate and virtuosic playing, they have long been established as one of the world’s leading period-instrument orchestras. They are equally at home in chamber, symphonic and operatic repertoire, from Besides their independent existence as a period chamber orchestra the English Baroque Soloists also participate regularly in joint projects with the Monteverdi Choir, with which they took part in the Bach Cantata Pilgrimage in 2000, performing all of Bach’s sacred cantatas throughout Europe. More recently, they joined forces again in a ‘Bach Marathon’ event at the Royal Albert Hall (2013), and collaborated on recordings and tours of Ascension Cantatas (2012) and Bach Motets (2011), both of which reached No 1 in the UK classical charts. Last September they toured Gluck’s Orphée et Eurydice in Hamburg and Versailles following a staged production at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, in collaboration with the Hofesh Shechter dance company. Other highlights of 2015 included a tour to the USA of Monteverdi’s Orfeo, while in Europe, the group travelled to Munich, Frankfurt, Lucerne and Paris for performances of Bach’s Mass in B minor, which they also recorded for Soli Deo Gloria. The Orchestra’s next landmark project will be a tour with the Monteverdi Choir to mark the 450th anniversary of Monteverdi’s birth in 2017. Trinity Boys Choir 36 Music Director David Swinson Ross Ah-Weng Joshua Albuquerque Jamie Coskun Charles Davies William Davies Jeremie de Rijk Aman de Silva Sebastian Exall Matthew Gilbert Amiri Harewood Ben Hill Freddie Jemison Joshua Kenney Tate Nicol Lucas Pinto Daniel Williams Thabo Witter Soprano Hannah Morrison * Emily Armour Charlotte Ashley Jessica Cale Rebecca Hardwick Angela Hicks Alison Hill Gwendolen Martin Eleanor Meynell Angharad Rowlands Alto Eleanor Minney * Reginald Mobley * Clare Wilkinson * Simon Ponsford Kate Symonds-Joy Matthew Venner Tenor Rory Carver Thomas Herford Hugo Hymas Tom Kelly Nicolas Robertson James Way Bass Alex Ashworth * Nicholas Mogg * Ashley Riches * Jonathan Sells * Rupert Reid Lawrence Wallington About the performers Monteverdi Choir * consort soloist English Baroque Soloists Orchestra 2 Violin 1 Kati Debretzeni Leader Iona Davies Julia Kuhn Gamba Reiko Ichise Violin 2 Anne Schumann Roy Mowatt Jane Gordon Flute Rachel Beckett Christine Garratt Violin 2 James Toll Emily Dupere Hildburg Williams Oboe Michael Niesemann Mark Baigent Viola Fanny Paccoud Aliye Cornish Bassoon Györgyi Farkas Cello Richte van der Meer Kinga Gáborjáni Viola James Boyd Lisa Cochrane Cello Marco Frezzato Catherine Rimer Double Bass Valerie Botwright Organ James Johnstone Violin 1 Catherine Martin Madeleine Easton Henrietta Wayne Double Bass Cecelia Bruggemeyer Flute Eva Caballero Rachel Helliwell Oboe Leo Duarte Robert de Bree Bassoon Marco Posthingel Organ/ Harpsichord Silas Wollston 37 Orchestra 1 Supporters of the Monteverdi The Monteverdi Choir and Orchestras Limited would like to thank their supporters: ROYAL PATRON HRH The Prince of Wales FRIENDS OF THE MONTEVERDI BACH MEMBERS Michael Beverley DL, David & Sandra Brierwood, Mrs Julia Chappell, Kevin Lavery, William Lock BEETHOVEN MEMBERS Lord Burns, Peter & Stephanie Chapman, Victoria & Stephen Swift 38 BRAHMS MEMBERS Roger & Rosemary Chadder, Michael Estorick, Mrs Juliet Gibbs, Gordon Gullan, Andrey Kidel, Gracia Lafuente & Jake Donovan, Mr Duncan Matthews QC, Joanne Merry, Lady Nixon, Carlos & Francesca Pinto, Nicola F E Ramsden, Andrew Tusa, Victor & Tina Vadaneaux and those who wish to remain anonymous BERLIOZ MEMBERS Mr A Agterhuis, Geoffrey Barnett, Donald D Campbell, Peter J Chapman, Robert Cory, Mr & Mrs John Fairbairn, in memoriam Lady Foley, Doug & Mary Hawkins, János & Dietlinde Hidasi, Richard Jacques, J Kittmer, Lydia Lau & family, Ann Mee, John Julius & Mollie Norwich, Alessandro Orsaria, Peter W Parker, Simon Perry, Christian & Mytro Rochat, Ivo Rozehnal, Steven & Olivia Schaefer, Rebecca Shelley, Verónica Uribe & Andrés Ortega, David & Hilmary Quarmby, Andrew Wales, David Ward and those who wish to remain anonymous MONTEVERDI MEMBERS With grateful thanks to those who support us at Monteverdi Member level SUPPORTERS OF THE MONTEVERDI APPRENTICES PROGRAMME Mr Roger Chadder Ian Hay & Morny Davison Mrs Helen Skinner The 29 May 1961 Charitable Trust The Clore Duffield Foundation The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust The Ernest Cook Trust The Garrick Charitable Trust The Golsoncott Foundation The Kirby Laing Foundation The Leche Trust The Mercers Charitable Foundation The Modiano Charitable Trust The Thistle Trust and those who wish to remain anonymous CORPORATE SPONSORS Morgan Stanley TRUSTS & FOUNDATIONS Dunard Fund The Goldsmiths’ Company HONORARY PATRONS & BENEFACTORS PRESIDENT Ian Hay Davison CBE PATRONS Lord Burns, Dunard Fund, Felicity & John Fairbairn, Sir Ralph Kohn FRS, Judith McCartin Scheide, Sir David Walker PRINCIPAL BENEFACTORS David & Sandra Brierwood, William Lock, Margo & Nicholas Snowman, Julia Chappell, Ian Hay Davison CBE, Morny Davison, Kevin Lavery BENEFACTORS Michael Beverley DL, Roger & Rosemary Chadder, Peter & Stephanie Chapman, Mrs Juliet Gibbs, Lady Nixon, John Julius & Mollie Norwich, David & Hilmary Quarmby, Tony Shoults, John & Helen Skinner, Stephen & Victoria Swift, Victor & Tina Vadaneaux, Lord Vallance of Tummel, Gary Weiss DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI Richard Baker, Robert Bishop, Rachel Boswell, Charles Brett, Heather Cairncross, Simon Carrington, Suzanne Flowers, Hans Walter Gabler, Chris Gardiner, Carol Hall, Linda Hirst, Alastair Hume, Neil Jenkins, Brian Kay, Gareth Keene, Richard Lloyd Morgan, Felicity Palmer, John ShirleyQuirk, John Smyth, Jenny Standage FOUNDER & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Sir John Eliot Gardiner, CBE BOARD OF MONTEVERDI CHOIR & ORCHESTRAS Michael Beverley DL (Chair), David Brierwood, Virginia FraserJohnson, Sir John Eliot Gardiner, Lady Gardiner, Richard Meredith, Joanne Merry, Anthony Peattie, Nicola Ramsden, Nicholas Snowman, Prof John Fletcher Smyth AMERICAN FRIENDS OF THE MONTEVERDI CHOIR & ORCHESTRAS, INC Jeffrey Calman (President), John Skinner (Treasurer & Chairman), Francesca Hayslett, Rodney N M Johnson MBE, Ferne Mele (Secretary) FONDS MONTEVERDI CHOIR & ORCHESTRAS FRANCE Michael Likierman (President), Nicholas Snowman (Secretary), Andrey Kidel (Treasurer), Caroline Menu (Chargée de Mission), Brigitte Marger Mondoloni, Nicole Salinger MONTEVERDI DEVELOPMENT GROUP David Brierwood (Chair), Alexander Dymock, Jonathan Frewen, Lex Greensill, Andrey Kidel, Kevin Lavery, Nicola Ramsden, Susan Revell, John Skinner, Stephen Swift, Stephen Uhlig, Victor Vadaneaux, Gary Weiss STAFF OF MONTEVERDI CHOIR & ORCHESTRAS General Director Dr Rosa Solinas Finance & Administration Manager Martin Wheeler Artistic Administrator Mark Richardson Tours & Concerts Manager Helen Lewis Artistic Advisor & Librarian James Halliday Choir Manager Richard Wyn Roberts Orchestra Manager Philip Turbett Stage Manager Richard Fitzgerald Keyboard Technician Robin Jennings Marketing & PR Manager Sarah Lockwood Events Manager Rachel Hinds Relationships Manager Clemency Horsell Administrator Daniela Hackett 39 VICE-PRESIDENTS Alexander Armstrong, Sir David Attenborough, Richard Elliston, Tom Graham, Jenny Hill, Diane Karzas, Keith Salway, Günther Graf von der Schulenburg, Andrew Tusa Bach Collegium Japan Masaaki Suzuki 8 & 9 April Immerse yourself in the glorious music of J S Bach, from the towering B minor Mass to the joyous Magnificat, with a weekend in the company of some of his finest living interpreters Monteverdi Choir English Baroque Soloists Sir John Eliot Gardiner Bach Lutheran Mass in F Major & Magnificat 12 December 2016, Barbican Centre, London @Monteverdi_choir_orchestras @mco_london /MonteverdiChoirAndOrchestras www.monteverdi.co.uk
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