René Jacobs - Matthäus Passion at La Monnaie

Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, performed for the first time at St. Thomas Church in Leipzig in 1727, is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic works in Western music. It is not only Bach’s largest composition, but it is one of the most emotionally-charged works of the repertoire, in which all aspects of human suffering are dealt with in depth. Based on texts from Luther’s translation of the Gospel of Matthew, combined with Picander’s passion chorales and contemplative texts, Bach wrote this masterpiece for soloists, double choir and double orchestra. It narrates the Passion of Christ in a rich variety of secco and accompagnato recitatives, arias, chorales and choirs. In his reading of the work, René Jacobs allows us to rediscover this timeless work of art in all its complexity.