Bach's Johannes Passion 1725: An unforgettable experience in Leipzig!

Bach's Johannes Passion 1725: An unforgettable experience in Leipzig!

Leipzig, Deutschland - On June 15, 2025, a very special performance of the Johannes Passion (BWV 245) by Johann Sebastian Bach took place in the Nikolaikirche Leipzig. This event was part of the renowned Bachfest Leipzig and was presented by the La Cetra Baroque Orchestra and vowel ensemble Basel under the direction of Andrea Marcon. The performance was a new staging of the version of 1725, which had many changes compared to the original version of 1724.

The Johannes Passion is a monumental work that consists of two parts: in the first part, the betrayal and capture of Jesus and his denial by Peter are discussed. The second part deals with the interrogation, the conviction by Pontius Pilate, the crucifixion, death and funeral of Jesus. The newly designed version of 1725 included some significant adjustments. So the entrance choir "Lord, our ruler" was replaced by "O man, whereas" your sin big "and several new arias were added to reinforce the dramatic effect. These changes aimed at increasing the emotional weight of the work and making it even more captivating for the listeners, as Opernmagazin describes in detail.

an impressive music experience

The performance on Sunday evening at 8:00 p.m. was convincing with a variety of talented soloists. The evangelist Jakob Pilgram impressed with clear articulation and emotional depth, while Bariton Christian Wagner embodied the role of Jesus with a warm presence. The alto Sara Mingardo touched the audience with the haunting arias "from the knitting of my sins" and "It is done!". Soprano Miriam Feuersinger also impressed with her mature performance of the aria "I also follow you with joyful steps".

The orchestra consisting of historically informed musicians, the sound image of the Baroque period was perfectly presented and was led by Andrea Marcon with sensitivity and sensitivity. Nevertheless, some critics noted that the interactions between the characters took place more with the audience than with each other, which might have influenced the dramaturgy of the performance.

an event of historical importance

The original performance of the Johannes Passion took place under Bach's management on April 7, 1724, a Good Friday. The renewed performance of the 1725 version fell exactly 300 years after its first presentation. This historical framework made the event a special event in the cultural calendar that even Bach enthusiasts did not want to miss.

The admission of this performance is viewed as a valuable alternative to an earlier recording by the Collegium Vocale Ghent in 2002, as well as Bachfest Leipzig . This reinterpretation of the Johannes Passion offers the opportunity to take a fresh look at Bach's masterpiece and to experience its profound and dramatic music.