prepare for the saint john passion!

​Here are some tips and tricks for preparing for Sunday's performance of the Saint John Passion

With just nine outstanding singers and an world-class orchestra, you’ll hear Bach’s first passion the way he intended it.

The story of the trial and crucifixion of Jesus is told through the incredibly powerful music of the world’s greatest composer – J.S. Bach. Bach’s St. John Passion is exciting, frightening, and heart-wrenching.

Here are some ways you can get ready:

Download a copy of the full orchestra score. (We don't mind if you want to follow it on your iPad during the performance, by the way.)

Download Part I
Download Part II

Listen to a full version of the performance now! This link will take you to the late Nikolaus Harnoncourt's seminal recording of the Saint John Passion. Maestro Harnoncourt was a pioneer in the early-music movement and passed away this month.

Will you be singing the chorales during the performance? Here are some things to consider.

You are invited to sing along on the chorales (printed below), as many believe the congregation would have in Bach’s time. The tunes would have been familiar to his eighteenth-century audience, as many of them will be to you today. We kindly ask the following:
 

• There will be an optional rehearsal of the chorales in the Christ Church Chapel at noon the day of the performance.
• You may sit and sing from anywhere in the congregation, but…
• …there will be a few pews in the front if you would like to sit with other singers.
• Sing loud and proud! Don’t be afraid of mistakes.
• We have provided the melody to each chorale below – in English. If you’d like to sing in four-part harmony, we will be singing from the Bärenreiter edition.
• Please sing seated so we can keep the flow of the piece going.
• The pacing of the St John moves quickly, so be ready to go!

Finally, don't forget to come at 12:30 for the organ prelude!

Bach: St. John Passion
Sunday, March 20, 2016
1:00 pm (organ prelude begins at 12:30 pm)

Christ Church Cathedral
318 East Fourth Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
On Singing the Chorales

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