St Matthew Passion, Final Chorus, J.S. Bach

[@henka4078]

When I was around 10 years old my mother took m for several years in December to see and listen to the Mattheus Passion. I am now 85 and listening to this choir I see myself sitting with my mother in a local church and I get tears in my eyes.

[@ryanmozert]

If your mom was a Christian and I'm sure she was you will see her again soon sweetie.. in Paradise

[@dgcmusi]

That is a beautiful story Henk…🤝😊

[@stebene63]

YOU touched me...😢

[@ab9918]

¿en diciembre? Esa composición es mas para semana Santa.

[@francoaragosta4285]

I had the great privilege of singing in a performance of this when I was a boy of nine. It made such a deep impressin on me, even as a child, that it changed the course of my life forever. Bach's music is probably the main reason I have been able to keep my faith alive in this horrifyingly cynical, brutally secular age. I trained to be a concert pianist, but also became an organist, choir director, and composer of liturgical mysic, myself. I'm 78-years-old now, and doubt I could participste in a performance of this work this work today without collapsing in tears. It's impact has only grown stronger over the decades - a lifelong, inexhastible souce of wonder, affection, and inspiration.

[@prototropo]

Franco Aragosta Thank you so much for your beautiful, sweet and dignified sentiments, Franco! I am honored to share them, and I have long felt, as well as you, that Bach’s Matthau-Passion is possibly the apex of what is humanly possible in art. Only Michelangelo’s Moses, for the tomb of Pope Julius, or the Funeral Oration of Pericles, recorded by Thucydides, approach this in grandeur. I am grateful for your thoughts, Franco, and wish we could have coffee or wine to talk more! --Denny

[@ramfaki1256]

@Franco Aragosta: May our☝Lord Jesus Bless you😇,brother in Christ! J.S.B.'s masterpieces're unique🙏❕ Salute dear👼⛪from Greece🇬🇷🇪🇺❗

[@timsteppeler7489]

Franco Aragosta I am in full agreement. Greetings from Saudi Arabia. أنا موافق. تحيات نم عربية سعودية.

[@QHarefield]

When I was about seven, (I'm now 68) my Mum took me to a performance of Stainer's 'Crucifixion.' Now, I realise that Stainer is not everybody's cup of tea, and neither am I comparing him to Bach, but the point is that, like you, I was very deeply impressed with it and with the awesome thing that Jesus had done for us. A year or so ago, at a local performance of the piece, I foolishly tried to join in with the congregational hymns ... I was overcome and my voice just gave out. Thank you for your post.

[@Albertanator]

Thank for sharing Franco! Yes indeed this is a brutal secular age and getting worse with each passing day as darkness covers our land....However we can take great comfort in the King who has triumphed and who is Victor over all....forever and ever! God Bless you!

[@wertherquartett]

Nothing more sublime was ever composed. This chorus represents the pinnacle of western music.

[@remidipietrantonio8753]

Bach immense. Pasolini ne s'y est pas trompé en mettant cette musique dans l'un de ses films

[@thomasmurray3920]

With the exception of Erbarme Dich, unless you were referring to the entire piece.

[@DesertRosePro]

Amen

[@ByDesign333]

Bach used his giftedness to the max u might say; and many feel as I do that this piece is his diamond one. The way Bach gets to me is like inexplicable, and wonderful

[@hanochcohen2243]

Yes.

[@ramolegend04]

I'm a Muslim and I find this very beautiful and pure

[@majestic7768]

Music is beyond names and religion. It springs from the soul.

[@heromends2802]

Seu profeta escreveu no alcorão sobre a vinda de Jesus Cristo para julgar a terra. Eu li no alcorão.

[@elizabethobrien1862]

Superb and very calming

[@brucejackson4219]

well said my friend.

[@ab9918]

​​​@@majestic7768 No..esta música es a causa de la redención realizada por Cristo. Es un llamado a la Fe que Dios hace a los que se conmueven con ella. Si no la aprovechan han hecho un mal negocio.

[@PointyTailofSatan]

As an organist, I am obviously extremely familiar with Bach's keyboard/organ works, as well as his concertos and cantatas. His organ works in particular, are not really romantic, but their amazing counterpoint structures are like the musical equivalent of a musical Eiffel Tower. A perfect blend of art and science. So how much more incredible it is to hear Bach's passions and Mass, works so romantically advanced, that one doesn't hear anything like them until 50-75 years later. It's like two epic musical geniuses combined into a single man.

[@U3ALeader]

I cannot live without Bach´s music. I listen to it every morning before I start the day. It is music for my soul, my heart, and for every breath I take.

[@grahamlyons8522]

You meant without?

[@U3ALeader]

Thanks, just corrected it! I'm hooked on "Cantata BWV 131" at the moment, with Marcel Ponseele on oboe.

[@AlexanderFeltnerHarrison]

Username checks out

[@ferdiriordan1]

Or as Bach himself put it "muisic for the glory of God and refreshment of the soul"

[@Chrismacleod777]

I agree - same for me!

[@dersteiger176]

Es gibt nur wenige Kompositionen die Leid und Trauer hörbar machen, Bach ist einer der größten in der Barockmusik.

[@franskhan8477]

Bach so simple and yet so profound .It is a privilege in the best sense of the term to be able to listen to this eternal music.

[@annadavis2547]

I sang soprano in an oratorio society. I have sung St. Mathew’s passion and St. John’s passion. I have also sung the Messiah and Dixie Domino another of Handle’s oratorios. This oratorio is so rich. I loved the dueling between the first and second choirs. This piece really draws out the sadness and deep pain associated with the crucified Savior. The Messiah brings out the triumph of the Savior’s resurrection and second coming. Both composers were spiritually connected to the Savior. And we are blessed by it.

[@gems4u990]

I sang in the choir for this piece years ago. One of the most incredible compositions ever written. Always gives me chills.

[@thomastremblay4522]

It's worth sitting through the whole Matthew's Passion just to be able to enjoy this magnificent final chorus!

[@waltuh2.3bviews3secondsago3]

it's worth sitting through the whole saint matthew's passion to sit through the whole saint matthew's passion!

[@JonathanVachon777]

This is one if the best composition in all time in my opinion. Such an amazing representation of what Jesus for the humanity. Dramatic and glorious at the same time

[@Lynnda86]

I couldn't agree more!!❤❤❤

[@lagunagreg4019]

It far transcends the strictures of any single theology. All Great Art does.

[@MarleenGeel]

En dankzij hebben wij als mensheid een prachtige toekomst

[@StevenEggen-d2p]

And the orchestra and choir seem to have equal emphasis, unlike other works like concertos

[@lucbert5846]

Every year on Good Friday, my parents listened to Matthew's Passion by Back. Their home was full of this wonderful music. They cried.... I didn't understand why...now they are gone and I'm the one who cries...for the death of our Lord Jesus Christ...who saved us from our sin...

[@ajessm]

Praise and thanks be to God who suffered and died so that every man, woman and child could be saved. He paid the price of our sins.

[@annamariacsuka9805]

Isten hogy halt volna meg,vagy ez is egy forditasi lehetetlenseg???

[@freigeist2]

I don't really have words to describe this. I can just thank Bach.

[@ianlawrence1648]

I am a Jew and believe in my religion. However I am dumb founded by responses here. An amazing piece of music for ALL to share. God bless you all and Shalom a lei Chem.

[@yasminesimpson4235]

Ian Lawrence I follow No religion , all I do know that this piece of music really moves me I love sacred music and in particular I love St Matthews Passion ever since I heard a performance at the Barbican about 30 yrs ago , I had never heard anything quite like it , each year I try to attend a performance at different venues but the Barbicans performance with a large spectacular choir was spine tingling. It is quite a Magnificent piece of Beautiful work . ❤️

[@mwewering]

I am a german and believe in my religion.

[@rafikbaladi6555]

I am a devout Christian from Egypt and believe solemnly in the purpose of all religions and their power to lead the world to Divine fellowship. A lei Chem Shalom

[@augustinedennis4865]

Ian Lawrence Toda from a Christian

[@augustinedennis4865]

Shalom from Ireland Ian Laurence.🇮🇪🇮🇱

[@ajessm]

It makes one wonder at the source of Bach's inspiration. His music is unique and uniquely inspired. His love of and reverence for God emanates from his music as light emanates from the sun. His music is awe-inspiring and has a transcendent quality.

[@ihsanmodak3916]

Bach could only have been divinely inspired in his compositions. He specifically composed for the church....to the Absolute Glory of God - the Absolute....All praise be to the Lord of the Worlds...to eternity....One cannot but shed uncontrollable tears of joy when listening to this divine work.

[@willvanderwalt1160]

There is no logical, clever argument that can wipe away what you have said. If the churches and their theologies didn't get it, the music did. Perhaps this music is ultimate theology. Bless you.

[@chrishughes6518]

Not religious but Bach was touched by God. Maybe the only true genius.

[@cosmofoxgaming1268]

@@chrishughes6518 genius isn’t even coming close to describing what this man was. He was supernatural.

[@SlateFx]

@@cosmofoxgaming1268 I agree. The thoughts this man had come from a different place, somewhere none of us can hope to understand. We just marvel at this other-worldly language he somehow had access to.

[@Davidfooterman]

I am also Jewish and have played the violin and sung in the chorus of the SMP. The beauty of the congregational refrain is quite overwhelming; it always makes me tear up….. every time!

[@remidipietrantonio8753]

Le sommet en musique. On est dans l'au delà. Les plus grands rockers disent que Bach est le plus grand

[@charlesedwards5333]

You are a frum Yid? Like me?

[@scottashe984]

Music is the language that we all speak. Before our tongue was seperated. It can bring us together if we let it.

[@mikematthews5872]

There is hope yet for us, beautiful music by the sheer genius of Bach. I am 75. So don’t have much. Longer on this beautiful world that is given to us , to make beautiful, or destroy , as we wish This music gives me peace in my mind I heard it In 1960 first as a boy never forgotten it

[@ianharris7040]

May i pray you will rest in our Lords heaven at the end of your life.

[@MsTEXASJO]

I found the Catholic Church and got baptized when I was twelve. I had taken a few piano lessons, but the nuns, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, Kentucky gave me full appreciation of classical music. I attended their Motherhouse convent school in Bardstown for three years, and learned the most beautiful piano music and played violin in the orchestra. I no longer play, but they gave me great appreciation for this music as we studied the way it was written ...it is so exacting. It is difficult to play, and if you listen to it when you study (certain pieces) your brain works better. His was a very holy family and prolific. In those days Church and State not separate to them, all under one Divine God. The Three B's will last forever, Bach, Beethoven and Brahms, but my big thrill was the Big M...Mozart. which to me was actually easier to play.

[@weredoingitinbabylon8452]

Are you still around bud?

[@julianothoms5391]

Why, Lord, have Ye died for us? Do we deserve Your holy compassion and love for us? All the suffering You had to go through, in your earthy form, all that to redeem us sinners from our decayed state? We are truly thankful for Your sacrifice, and thank Thee for opening up again the way to heaven. We follow your steps, being the way, the truth and the life.

[@willvanderwalt1160]

And this is the way ...

[@laurabradford7136]

This chorus is completely heart opening and beauty in sound. I have sung it , but listening is just as emotionally fulfilling

[@Ernesto7608]

It is amazing how one man found the melodies and harmonies that are the keys to our soul and combined them into this masterpiece. It must not have been one single achievement but the result of many musical discoveries Bach made throughout his long life staying at the edge of the art of composition.

[@frankreedy6437]

If it’s any help to understand the greatness of history’s memorable musical composers, perhaps Rachmaninof’s brief answer to an jnterviewer’s query about how he gained his inspirations and formulated them into script: the brilliant Russian pianist and last of the Romantic composers declared that he ‘found’ his works in 15 minute bursts and flashes, hurried to record them on sheets, and only then worked in more detail and intracacies to expand and flourish his creations. Imagine the storms inside the minds of men like Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff in their times. Genius indeed.

[@jeffreyadams648]

His wife?

[@johndawson4983]

This chorus is so beautiful that I have great difficulty singing it: at any moment I am likely to start to cry (as I am now) with the sheer impact of the music.

[@U3ALeader]

I cry too, especially in the last chorus of the St John, which I sang in a concert dedicated to the children of Dunblane. We sops could hardly sing for crying.

[@grahamlyons8522]

I also cried hearing this Final Chorus conducted by John Elliot Gardiner. I cried with rage and frustration at the inappropriate tempo-so fast it was almost up to that of a Viennese Waltz. (OK, an exaggeration.) Though J E Gardiner is an affable man, and has an extensive knowledge of the history of music, his interpretation of this heart-rending piece demonstrates his musical insensitivity. I have heard good performances of other works when he is on the podium, but then the musicians do not look at him; they listen to each other instead.

[@lauriebouma4690]

Graham Lyon

[@prototropo]

Of course, I agree. I’m weeping now. I hope everyone who loves this Passion, which I consider the most majestic achievement in all of human cultural history, is saturated with hidden genius. This final chorus , for example, is a melodic inversion of the bass aria, Mache dich, mein Herze, rein, sung just minutes before this. The psychological and aesthetic symmetries infusing Bach’s art lend a grandeur that has taken a lifetime for me to grasp.

[@jonathanlarson4886]

@@grahamlyons8522 I too have difficulty understanding what the godawful rush to get something this majestic done. But I can forgive Gardiner because I have seen him working with the choir rehearsing St. John's Passion. It took about 30 seconds to exclaim, "Man would I like to sing in his choir!" Here's the deal. I was in the Minnesota Bach Society in my 20s-bass. I sang for several directors because we were the chorus called on whenever the Minnesota Orchestra did something choral-Beethoven's 9th, a symphonic Tannhäuser, Verdi Requiem, the b minor Mass, etc. We had 160 voices because we had to fill an acoustical barn that sat 4500. Choral directors are a special breed because choirs are, compared to orchestras, an unruly mob of sometimes really vain people. Getting this mob to go in the same direction takes serious charm. The most charming thing they can do is explain why we should try for a certain sound. And this Gardiner does magnificently. Gardiner gets it and anyone serious enough to love singing Bach understands he gets it. At least as well as anyone who is not a Lutheran. But you are right. If your do not infuse the Passions with appropriate Lutheran dirge-like temples, you probably are committing blasphemy. You are supposed to sit through a three hour service on Good Friday! As the Luther preachers kid, I got dragged to those marathon services from the age of four. I was glad when I discovered SMP and really delighted when I discovered that my Scandinavian kin believed that if you make a point to listen to a performance on Good Friday, you have renewed your Lute cred for another year. So that is the extent of my devout observances. I have about a dozen recordings and so I haul out my score and follow along-of course, singing the chorales!

[@rafikbaladi6555]

Bach, the master of polyphony, couterpoint and lithurgic harmony. Amazing music, remarkable performance

[@jjrj8568]

The best oratorio of all time, simple as that; the sacred genius of Bach

[@FjBaptista]

Beautiful version of this closing chorus. If you ever have the opportunity to hear the whole Passion, its very worthwhile, although the fact you need two choirs, makes it less available. I have been blessed to see it twice in my life.

[@edwardjmcgee4637]

Today is Good Friday and there is no other fitting way to commemorate the Passion and Death of Our Lord than by listening to the final chorus of St. Matthew's Passion. Thank you J. S. Bach for giving us so magnificent a musical work. I am truly moved by this ageless music. Ad Maiorem Dei!

[@grahamlyons8522]

An atheist agrees with two of your sentences: Thank you J. S. Bach for giving us so magnificent a musical work. I am truly moved by this ageless music.

[@ramfaki1256]

You wrote such a respectful comment AND his m u s i c deserves it! Greetings and salute sir,from Greece!

[@austntexan]

I attended Good Friday Mass today, in 2020, via live-stream due to the virus pandamic. This was the final hymn. The service has stayed with me all day.

[@willvanderwalt1160]

Bless you.

[@ceciliramirez8689]

Jesus is the Greatest, One, True, Living God. The rest are man made "gods". Put them to the test- none were pre-announced, made miracles, or ressurected. God bless

[@matthewpaterson9849]

This is a deeply felt performance of the final chorus of the Matthew Passion. I think this is one of the most affecting performances of this I've ever heard.

[@willvanderwalt1160]

Yes, yes, o God, yes.

[@dennisdreyer1439]

I couldn’t agree more! Sublime! The slower tempo so perfectly expresses the solemnity of this movement. I only wish the full performance was available on disk or download.

[@dgcmusi]

I agree

[@dgcmusi]

The conductor of this performance has done such a great job….you can tell this is so well oiled ….many performances I’ve heard of this the contra basses are never that pronounced…they are very pronounced in this version…

[@PointyTailofSatan]

The three great masters of choir music. Bach, Palestrina, and Tallis. Every classical vocal work that comes after simply builds on the work of these three.

[@juliamacauley7062]

Don’t forget Allegri

[@PointyTailofSatan]

@@juliamacauley7062 Allegri was good. But his vocal music is very much like that of Palestrina. Plus, most of his music is rarely performed any more, except for the Miserere.

[@elzbietabonthrone6584]

Love you my sisters and brothers - in joy and great understanding of sadness, feeling of the beauty of our common fate...

[@adenekanadekunle6305]

This is ethereal as it touches the inner being and soul of humanity in an incomparable way. It felt as though the heavenly spirits are descended on earth. Uplifting and mesmerising at once !!!!

[@thomasmurray3920]

Bach has provided the soundtrack of heaven. It is no mistake that Bach was chosen to go on the gold disc sent on Voyager into space. One wag had it that they might have also added the Mass in B minor, but that would have been boasting.

[@ingenimtz988]

Unsterbliche Music von J.S.Bach. Noch in tausend Jahren werden wir zuhoeren. Ein gesegneter Mann.

[@stevehenry1504]

The St. Matthew Passion always speaks deeply to me. Perhaps even more profoundly owing to the pandemic.

[@gloriaalameda6536]

This music is so uplifting and sublime because Bach always composed for the glory of God!

[@Chrismacleod777]

Beautiful! Almost all of the St Matthew Passion brings tears to my eyes but this final chorus more so than any other part perhaps except "Erbarme dich mein Gott"! What a passionate man Bach must have been!

[@margaretharypkema5714]

Christopher Mcleod Agree with your every word!

[@ramfaki1256]

@@margaretharypkema5714 Me too,Margaretha💓🎼...I always felt this way...and not just for J.S.Bach's masterpieces💓💖❕❕

[@julianmanjarres1998]

Yup, he had 20 children.. passionate indeed 😂

[@suzanneloignon8095]

Quel privilège avons-nous d'avoir ce monument musical.

[@josesilva-ki4ff]

Many lovers of true music around the world consider the work of J.S.Bach an imperishable cultural heritage of Humanity. One of the pillars of this immaterial monument is the masterpiece Matthew Passion, from which I highlight two preferences that I have heard hundreds of times and will not tire of listening to them. They are: Erbarme Dich and the Final Chorus.

[@Monicax95]

This is a beautiful and sacred piece of music and has probably been enjoyed for hundreds of years as such but for me this will always be the music of Casino.

[@bachopinbee5991]

What do you mean?

[@kell3883]

@@bachopinbee5991 The movie Casino (1995) has this song playing in the intro.

[@cbmorgan365]

This is just incredible. Bach was light years of his time, no wonder he’s often described as the rock star of classical music.

[@J.ThomasAlves]

There are no words that can capture the depths of Bach's sublime work. The enormity of his emotional expression is dumb founding! How is it possible?

[@ingeborgisbjrn590]

I love the heavy, slow tempo of this performance, unlike many of the contemporary renditions of the piece. Much more befitting of the gravity of the theme. One can almost hear the heavy footsteps of Jesus walking to his own death, the irrevocability of it all.

[@tjittemuizelaar]

I had the same experience..With "Kommt ihr Tochter"too. +Ingeborg Isbjørn

[@makytondr8607]

+Tjitte Muizelaar did you hear the story of the bass line of this chorale?

[@tjittemuizelaar]

+Maky Tondr No... Explain

[@alsatiancousin2905]

Yes, well said. I too find it much more powerful the slow steep tempo as opposed to a rushed technical urgency. The "heartbeat" that this amazing work follows slows down all the while the imminent death comes clearer.

[@crw3736]

Agreed Ingeborg.

[@chromz158]

Bach was what some would call annointed by God, others an artistic genious. They're both true!

[@grahamlyons8522]

I can do without God; not without J S Bach.

[@mk5244]

...JSB without God? Unthinkable for him who dedicated every opus to his creator. For the time someone listens to JSB all problems disappear. They reappear afterwards... RDS

[@anonb4632]

@@grahamlyons8522 There is no Bach without God. He was devout, and would have written none of this if he was an atheist

[@grahamlyons8522]

@@mk5244 Unthinkable for Bach, yes, but not for me. I find as much mental comfort and solace listening to Bach as would a believer in God.

[@grahamlyons8522]

@@anonb4632 I agree. So I am immensely glad he did believe in God.

[@spencerandersen271]

Such a heart-rendering finale! I get the chills every time I hear this.

[@willvanderwalt1160]

Yes. All who are open to it are transported to our true nature.

[@CarmeloBonifacioMalandrino]

Questo struggente coro di voci e suoni mi è nell'anima come un grumo di dolcezza ,di dolore,di gioia,di tristezza.E non so come si possa inventare un'armonia più sovrumana.

[@kaume7719]

È l'ispirazione da Lui.Io amo molto l'interpretazione "Passioni sec.Natteo" di Bach con Karajan i Fischer Discau.Sec.me è una perfezione assoluta.C'è mezzo-soprano che canta "Erbarme dich" da Dio..Le consiglio di ascoltare versione col Karajan ..

[@eaea2332]

The final chorus use of bass is mesmerizing, force of gravitation towards bass grief, and then when they are in the sopranos, the bass is even more meaningful.

[@ballinora53]

Each time I hear the works of Bach, the more I believe in the existence of God. Bach believed in and loved God and that is enough for me.

[@edwardedward7974]

Well spoken Sir !

[@willvanderwalt1160]

I don't believe in God, I experience Him in this this music.

[@dgcmusi]

The most beautiful version I’ve ever heard of this piece…thank you all who participated in this 👂👏

[@pablograndelopez]

I agree. Best version… for it is the deepest in spirit one. I agree. Incredible. It is Tear breaking

[@jesuschico5842]

Es una obra tan grandiosa que nunca me cansaré de escuchar.El cúlmen de la alabanza a Dios Crucificado.

[@BricicuLipici]

Divine and supreme

[@ByDesign333]

This music exudes such deep sense of reverence and awe for the Savior's unspeakable gift of his own body and blood, and endurance of the contradiction of cruel sinners against him.

[@bencrofoot5501]

I love when the camera cuts to the alightened candelabra, you can almost hear a voice narrate softly "even the flames seem pleased by this".

[@bert-hassokemnitz8580]

Lund Cathedral - what a great name in Swedish and european history. Keep Christianity high.Thank you.

[@IaJagon]

So beautiful... truly moving

[@silviam7774]

Definitely beautiful. Thanks God for giving us talents.

[@veroniquebertaux3626]

Bien que totalement agnostique, j'y reviens toujours. J'ai un peu de culture musicale et Bach m'apporte toujours autant de bonheur.

[@Malmokammarkor]

Merci Veronique! Yes this music touches the soul no matter what one believes in! Thank You!

[@albertstockfisch1913]

En accord total avec vos sentiments Véronique.

[@nbfdt35]

folks, Like Twitter, most of you totally miss the point. This is one of the greatest choral works everr written. It is peerless. Stay with the music. abandon the polemics. No flaming Ta.

[@JonathanVachon777]

donb what polemics?

[@tomdg13]

"one of"? What do you mean? It IS peerless. One of the highlights of western civilisation.

[@admiralsemmes6939]

The director of the movie "Casino" 🎰 was so awestruck hearing this that he used it in the opening of the movie where we see Robert DeNero's character engulfed in flames. It's truly powerful!

[@giangi1957]

Scorzese, the director, know well what he want to do😊, this musical choise its an reverie at the great italian director Pier Paolo Pasolini , killer in 1975,

[@ClaudineFranco-u1p]

Ce final nous donne de l espoir. Il nous rassemble. Bach est le compositeur le plus génial de tous les temps. Écoutez Bach vaut toutes les thérapies pour apaiser et se reconnecter

[@EasternTriad]

Personally, I find the tempo progressing precisely as it should. It would be beyond revolting to hear this section of this piece with a minute waltz as it target goal. No one else but Bach can conceive of a composition like this one. He remains an indisputable Baroque genius.

[@bernardqblack]

Many times you peel back the curtain of a strong emotion only to discover Bach has already been there and spray-painted his name all over it.

[@esventan]

It's wonderful to sing this version of St. Matteus Passion. This conductor, Dan-Olof Stenlund, really gives you, as a chorist, a chance to act and express the music and the true meaning of the Passion. Not a single time have I been able to sing Choral 54 without crying. Another thing that makes this performance extraordinary is that we sing in Swedish, our naitive lanuage, wich makes the message even more accessible for the audience.

[@chorusinger]

I experience the same.Whether I hear this beautiful piece of music, or I hear my favorite Opera star, I always feel myself thinking of my Creator and thanking Him for creating such beauty, as well as being grateful for giving me the understanding and the love for all the beautiful music. Thus your theory. Arts inspires belief, that no minister or priest can do for me.

[@GutpileCharlie]

One of the greatest works of all time.I had the pleasure to perform this over fifty years ago with the Oklahoma City Symphony. I can't believe 23 people "didn't like" this. What the hell is the matter with them?

[@ottomatick7513]

Their problem is religion, I think. Now they are 25 :(

[@palermohuerto9896]

perhaps don't like the crosses and the christian parafernalia, it has nothing to do with music which is great, in spite of the lies of religion

[@GutpileCharlie]

Palermo Huerto You are one really sick puppy. Maybe it is time for you to do some serious thinking.

[@palermohuerto9896]

Gutpile Charlie instead of insulting, try to do some rational thinking, it does not harm.

[@willvanderwalt1160]

Hell is the matter with them.

[@Fireball1787]

Lovely performance of an extremely thoughtful conclusion to one of Bach's greatest achievements. Also the extremely respectful and contemplative silence after the end of the chorale. Perfect!

[@RustyInSeattle]

Beautiful. This rang through my head most of Lent. I love this version because most recordings out there are too fast tempo.

[@macarmona]

Solo puedo decir que esta música me emociona. Me deja al borde de las lágrimas. Bellísimo!

[@luizvieiramarques]

BACH - intenso, forte e, ao mesmo, tempo suave, divino!

[@derekrees9203]

Praise the Lord who has saved my soul. Amen.

[@ricanmom1]

It's hard to put into words just how beautiful and moving this is...............

[@willvanderwalt1160]

Don't try. Just explode into the universe slowly and sacredly.

[@larrydenyer2337]

Hard to sum up or up... or can't describe or find words apart from this music is the gateway to the soul.

[@luciadalcengio1016]

Sono ancora dello stesso parere l,'ascolto spesso e sento i brividi. Grazie per avermela fatta conoscere.

[@MrSetemil]

Impossível ouvir St Matthew Passion by J.S. Bach sem contemplar a angústia, a dor, a oferta do Crucificado como perfume suave subindo aos Céus. Drama e sofrimento. O peso das antigas profecias se cumprindo. Pressão e trama. Os compassos marcam o coração como sinetes, como que perceber os passos de Jesus carregando o pesado madeiro em direção ao Calvário. Ah! Que dor! Que peso e sofrimento e firmeza antecedendo o glorioso triunfo! Que vontade de ser obediente até o fim para poder gritar: ESTÁ CONSUMADO!!! A fantástica harmonia e contraponto que adornam este texto é algo celestial. Dádiva divina a míseros mortais que somos. O acorde final estremecedor. Perdi a conta de quantas vezes ouvi o texto. Com calma. Deixando a alma fruir as palavras, os sons e grato pelos intérpretes (músicos e cantores) e maestria. Grato pelo inigualável J.S. Bach. Ouvir parte por parte. Parando e pensando nesse insuportável e profundo sofrimento do Filho de Deus pelos pecadores, entre os quais eu me sinto. “Ele não tinha qualquer beleza ou majestade que nos atraísse, nada em sua aparência para que o desejássemos. Foi desprezado e rejeitado pelos homens, um homem de tristeza e familiarizado com o sofrimento. Como alguém de quem os homens escondem o rosto, foi desprezado, e nós não o tínhamos em estima. Certamente ele tomou sobre si as nossas enfermidades e sobre si levou as nossas doenças, contudo nós o consideramos castigado por Deus, por ele atingido e afligido. Mas ele foi transpassado por causa das nossas transgressões, foi esmagado por causa de nossas iniquidades; o castigo que nos trouxe paz estava sobre ele, e pelas suas feridas fomos curados.” Profetizou Isaías. Paixão e sofrimento por amor que consola, cura, perdoa, promete a vida eterna, reconcilia, redime e restaura o homem à benfazeja Presença do Eterno.

[@patriciamelilloferreirapin6775]

Não consigo expressar em palavras. É pura emoção!

[@wilmakooy341]

This is the very best performance of all that I could find. The whole atmosphere the tempo, the sound of the choir is of outstanding standard. .... the orchestra is of course such a magnificent part of this. Thank you. !!

[@ewaldwoss7825]

grandioses Finale eines grandiosen Werkes vom vermutlich besten Komponisten aller Zeiten

[@sophiakusler119]

My parents sing both in the Amsterdam Oratorium Choire under the conduction of Piet van Egmond. As a little girl I was allowed to watch their performance in the Amsterdam concert gebouw. I was sitting in the Queens loge and after the first half somebody would bring me home. I still remember the awesome time when the choir song. .I have the CD on where my parents sing and i can hear my father's bass. I am so fortunate that my parents thought me to enjoy classical music.

[@Jennytwh]

So beautifully put 😢 Bach is truly gifted by God, and practiced his gift from God. Bach is well deserved in music history. His music brought me to tears 😭 so much sorrow yet gloriously praised ❤🙏 Love it! Thank you for the channel.

[@HuggyMackay]

There are no words sufficient to describe this tragic and sublime music.

[@3yboy]

'In pains of grief, dear Lord we leave thee'. When we performed this amazing work, we were blessed to have Adrian Thompson as the Evangelist, Neal Davies as Christus to mention but two. An experience i will never ever forget.

[@jaquelinerocha2586]

I can hear a thousand times!♥wonderful♥

[@barbaratompkins108]

Make straight the roads. ❤❤❤

[@josephbasha2941]

This PASSION is touching All Humanity regardless thank you Bach

[@1001-k6i]

Magnificent....eternal, I enjoyed it when listened in concert in Serbia

[@patthecatman]

i sobbed also. thought i'd break down when at a live perf which was 3 wks ago at ascension church in lower manhattan but no burying of my head in my hands then; just sadness. wonderful performance that i shall never, ever forget.

[@herrklamm1454]

I’m no longer a practicing Catholic but i think music like this could make anyone a believer.

[@felipehiemstra4478]

This is protestant music...

[@willvanderwalt1160]

Or an experiencer.

[@rationalsceptic7634]

I am an Agnostic but if there is evidence for a loving God: This is it ❤

[@kelsiejackson]

"Upon the mentioning of his [Bach's] name, Beethoven asked, 'Why is he dead?', to which [Johann Andreas] Stumpff replied, 'He will live again."

[@belledejour1]

Music directly from God, perfection!

[@ianharris7040]

I hope its always like this in heaven

[@ricanmom1]

Hear! Hear!

[@amoswittenbergsmusings]

This and Erbarme Dich are my go-to Bach utterances. The key to Bach's music are the words Soli Deo Gloria - glory only to God. Sometimes I think that there will be a place for his music in the Holy Temple - may it be rebuilt in our days. Some of us Jews refuse to listen to the Matthew Passion because of the way Jew haters have used the passion narrative as the age-old accusation of deicide against the Jewish people but I say 'Forgive them for they know not what they do' and to my fellow Jews I say 'music cannot be inherently impure'.

[@sensecam]

A great performance,spine chilling, thank you.

[@brianhoward8336]

Isn't it 'about time' for Hollywood to put together a great film about Johann Sebastian Bach? He laid the foundation for all Western classical music with his Well-Tempered Clavier; which is essentially the Bible for all Western music. I'm sure Matthew Mcconaughey or Matt Damon would be excellent to play him or any of his 4 sons; CPE Bach, Johann Christian Bach, Wilhelm Friedemann Bach, Johann Christoph Bach. J.S. Bach's life, works and contributions are important to teach every generation!

[@brianhoward8336]

***** I can't agree with that comment Charles. To my knowledge, most Americans, including Hollywood, love to connect to our european culture & heritage. The films Amadeus and Immortal Beloved were fine films but they were produced way back in the 80's and 90's.

[@brianhoward8336]

***** And you're an expert on US culture? Share your credentials and enlighten us with your wisdom on the subject: what and where have you published? Your negative comments only exhibit an inferiority complex. Comprehend this: just because I didn't bite on your antisemantic opinion doesn't make your comment true. If you have evidence to the contrary then present it to the world. Otherwise don't talk out your ass. To bad we can't step outside and settle this like men huh?

[@thomascarson8213]

Brian Howard Thank you!

[@thomascarson8213]

***** Try to comprehend what other people are saying for a change! Just out of curiosity, what perfect little corner of the world do you live in?

[@brianhoward8336]

***** Yes, it would be wonderful to see his life and contributions to all western music in a film. I'll have to pitch it in Hollywood in the near future.

[@vsotosolis]

Que impactante sin aplausos y luego las campanas, se me puso la piel chinita, que gran final!!!

[@TheJudgeandtheJury]

I am generally a Bach fan, but Casino by Scorsese brought me here. It’s hard to believe that a composer who has never made a bad work be so great, this is Bach.

[@YouTubingz]

I'm here from Casino. I sat through the final credits because of this. I went to the soundtrack to find out what it is. I wasn't surprised it was Bach. My cat is m.i.a. presumed dead without vital daily meds. I'm here with this to say goodbye. We had a very epic seven years together and I'm so grateful that he spent his short life on Earth with me, or I may not have survived. What joy, what luck he was. Noshi is what I called him. Noshi🕯

[@Ben-bb7mi]

When you love someone, you've gotta trust them. There's no other way. You've got to give them the key to everything that's yours. Otherwise, what's the point? And for a while, I believed, that's the kind of love I had.

[@brucejackson4219]

Don't stop believing amigo...nil desperandum !!

[@carlosrevueltamarti7392]

Este coro final me traslada a una galaxia muy lejana , desde donde se puede observar con claridad que es lo más importante de nuestras vidas.

[@vandacanarutto8286]

Nella mia vita dolorosa mi sono aggrappàta a Bach perché mi dà fede e coraggio e voglia di vivere

[@Edazer]

Oh, my goodness. I always love that chord write at the end, the suspension/resolution is just amazing...

[@HAL-dm1eh]

I am a fourth removed atheist Jewish Buddhist Libertario-Communist monk living in the 23rd galaxy and I love this music.

[@Besty190e]

This is a time machine for my mind I’m taken back to when this was composed.

[@patthecatman]

gotta admit, i break down every finale. i've seen two live performances, at ascension church and at carnegie hall. thought i'd break down at them, but just felt deep sorrow.

[@bassavino]

+patthecatman I used to cry playing this!

[@natalyd9674]

we love you, Jesus.