Join us...April 2nd: Schumann ~ May 21st: Beethoven |
 Cultivating Westchester since 1951  |
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2005 Will Feature Bach's St. Matthew Passion
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This Spring we will be performing J.S. Bach's most glorious
choral masterpiece ~ the St. Matthew Passion. Don't miss it!
April 10th ~ White Plains
April 17th ~ Manhattan
The St Matthew Passion
was written to celebrate Good Friday, as the story being told in this
work only leads up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The story-teller
here is the Evangelist, Saint Matthew, watching scenes from Jesus' life
unfold before his eyes like an invisible person, privy to conversations
with other biblical/historical characters.
The development of
particular scenes is rendered by solo arias and strengthened by the chorus,
which is also used plentifully to represent the masses/people folk. Bach
has also made a clever variation in the use of the chorus: in representing
the ordinary townsfolk, the choruses were written in polyphonic fugues,
and to develop the story, chorales/hymns were used.
Bach scored the St
Matthew Passion for a double chorus with an additional boys' choir. Bach's
use of a particular voice type adhered closely to symbolism - the soprano
represented prayer, alto the Holy Spirit, tenor Christ's love and bass
the voice of the Christian faith.
The unfolding of the
Passion also shows that towards the end of the work, the soprano and tenor
do not have any more arias, having delivered all the prayers and love
earlier. More so, the arias are written for the alto and bass.
We sold out our last few performances ~ so don't miss out
Since our last few
shows were sold out, we advise you to buy your tickets in advance. Why
not right now? Click here for our secure
online order form.
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