Johann Ernst Bach : Passionsoratorium

   in Choir & Organ (Jul, 2012)
Although Johann Ernst Bach’s Passion Oratorio is to some extent influenced by that of his uncle and godfather Johann Sebastian Bach (such as using chromaticism at significant points in the text), it differs in using empfindsamer Stil in its restrained portrayal of the story. The construction of the text by an unknown librettist omits turba choruses and also the role of Evangelist, which influences the form of the work. Lacking the dramatic scenes of the St Matthew and St John Passions, secco recitative plays only a minor part and is replaced by accompanied recitative, perceptively sung by Barbara Schlick, David Cordier, Christoph Pregardien and Stephen Varcoe. The work is in seven …