St Matthew Passion

A monumental work of spiritual and musical depth, St Matthew Passion stands as one of the greatest achievements in Western music. Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach in 1727 for the Good Friday service in Leipzig, this sacred masterpiece continues to move audiences nearly 300 years later with its profound beauty and emotional power.

Drawing from the Gospel of Matthew, the Passion recounts the final days of Christ’s life—from the Last Supper to the crucifixion and burial—interweaving scripture with poetic reflections and soaring chorales. The Evangelist narrates the story with clarity and intensity, while solo arias and ensemble pieces offer moments of contemplation, compassion, and sorrow. At the heart of the work are the hauntingly beautiful chorales, many based on familiar Lutheran hymns, which invite the listener to become part of the unfolding drama.