Composed in 1724, the St. John Passion is a grand and turbulent work produced at the height of Bach’s creative and expressive powers. The foreboding restlessness and tension in the opening chorus propel us into the inner world of John the Evangelist and his dramatic witness of betrayal, torment, and transfiguration in the gospel narrative.  

 Unlike the St. Matthew Passion’s broad themes, St. John explores our personal experience of suffering, anguish, fear, loss, and the enduring sustenance of hope. Amid it all, Bach’s glorious orchestration, counterpoint, and harmonic language sharpen each exquisite moment, from the severe to the sublime. 

—coloradobach.org