Composed in 1727, Matthäus-Passion (“St. Matthew Passion”), BWV 244, stands as one of the greatest achievements in Western classical music. Performed several times in Bach’s lifetime, it has endured as a testament to Bach’s compositional genius. This sacred oratorio, written for soloists, double choir, and double orchestra, vividly depicts the Passion of Christ according to the Gospel of Matthew. Six soloists tell the story: a tenor singing the role of the Evangelist, a bass depicting the role of Jesus, and 4 additional soloists singing the solo arias. A small ripieno chorus sings the chorale melody in the first and the last movement of the first half of the piece.
Its intricate structure and profound emotional depth convey the narrative with secco recitative, fluid obbligato, and crisp contrapuntal harmonies both between the chorus and orchestra, and between each double ensemble. Renowned for its sublime beauty, spiritual intensity, and sophisticated use of musical techniques, the work reflects Bach’s deep faith and unmatched compositional genius.
Featuring Dann Coakwell as the Evangelist, Andrew Garland as Jesus, and all other soloists will sing the arias.
Buy Tickets – Feb. 21 Buy Tickets – Feb. 23Meet the Soloists for St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244
Dann Coakwell
Evangelist
Dann Coakwell, tenor, has been praised as a “clear-voiced and eloquent … vivid storyteller” (The New York Times), with “a gorgeous lyric tenor that could threaten or caress on the…
Andrew Garland
Baritone
Baritone Andrew Garland, is hailed as a performer whose artistry is a perfect combination between “baritone of strength and vocal opulence” (Opera News) and “cosmic energy and suavity” (Opera News). …
Clara Rottsolk
Soprano
“Resplendent” (San Diego Story) soprano Clara Rottsolk has been lauded by The New York Times for her “clear, appealing voice and expressive conviction” and by The Philadelphia Inquirer for the…
Abigail Nims
Mezzo-soprano
Mezzo-soprano Abigail Nims is renowned as a musician of integrity and versatility for her performances of repertoire spanning from Bach, Handel, and Mozart to Crumb, Ligeti, and premieres of contemporary…
Gene Stenger
Tenor
Hailed as an “impressive tenor” (The New York Times) who sings with “sweet vibrancy” (The Cleveland Plain Dealer) Gene Stenger is one of the country’s most called upon Bach specialists…
Harrison Hintzsche
Baritone
“Sonorous” (Opera News) and “Suave” (parterre box) baritone Harrison Hintzsche is a recitalist, concert singer, and ensemble musician who enjoys the unique challenge of interpreting a wide range of diverse…
