Bach's St. John Passion 1725: An unforgettable experience in Leipzig!

Bach's St. John Passion 1725: An unforgettable experience in Leipzig!

On June 15, 2025, a very special performance of the St. John Passion (BWV 245) by Johann Sebastian Bach took place in the Nikolaikirche Leipzig. This event was part of the prestigious Bach Festival Leipzig and was presented by the La Cetra Baroque Orchestra and Vocal Ensemble Basel under the direction of Andrea Marcon. The performance was a restaging of the 1725 version, which featured many changes from the original 1724 version.

The John Passion is a monumental work that consists of two parts: The first part deals with the betrayal and imprisonment of Jesus as well as his denial by Peter. The second part deals with the interrogation, condemnation by Pontius Pilate, crucifixion, death and burial of Jesus. The redesigned version of 1725 included some significant adjustments. So the opening chorus “Herr, Unser Ruler” was replaced by “O Mensch, bewein' dein Sinn gross” and several new arias were added to intensify the dramatic effect. These changes were aimed at increasing the emotional weight of the work and making it even more compelling for listeners, like Opera magazine described in detail.

An impressive musical experience

The performance on Sunday evening at 8:00 p.m. impressed with a large number of talented soloists. The evangelist Jakob Pilgram impressed with his clear articulation and emotional depth, while baritone Christian Wagner embodied the role of Jesus with a warm-hearted presence. The contralto Sara Mingardo touched the audience with the haunting arias “On the ropes of my sins” and “It is accomplished!”. Soprano Miriam Feuersinger also impressed with her mature performance of the aria “I follow you also with joyful steps”.

The orchestra, consisting of historically informed musicians, perfectly represented the sound of the Baroque period and was conducted with sensitivity and delicacy by Andrea Marcon. However, some critics have noted that the interactions between the characters occurred more with the audience than with each other, which may have influenced the dramaturgy of the performance.

An event of historical significance

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

The recording of this performance is seen as a valuable alternative to an earlier recording by the Collegium Vocale Gent in 2002, as well Bach Festival Leipzig reported. This reinterpretation of the St. John Passion offers the opportunity to take a fresh look at Bach's masterpiece and re-experience his profound and dramatic music.