{"id":2369,"date":"2021-04-01T07:54:28","date_gmt":"2021-04-01T06:54:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/databassist.com\/music\/?p=2369"},"modified":"2021-04-01T08:01:01","modified_gmt":"2021-04-01T07:01:01","slug":"the-passion-reimagined","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/databassist.com\/music\/archives\/2369","title":{"rendered":"The Passion reimagined"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>This post, for Maundy Thursday, is in a series for <a href=\"https:\/\/databassist.com\/music\/archives\/tag\/lent2021\">Lent to Easter, 2021<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Passion dramas in the Lutheran tradition, designed for performance in church during Holy Week, generally adhere to the Biblical text of one of the four Gospels, much of it sung by a narrator: in this method, actual persons  (Judas, Caiphas, Pilate, etc., and Jesus himself) sing only when the Biblical account reports their spoken words. A different approach is taken in the Passion libretto published in Hamburg in 1712 by the poet Barthold Heinrich Brockes\u2014<em>Der f\u00fcr der S\u00fcnde der Welt gemarterte und sterbender Jesus<\/em> (Jesus martyred and dying for the wickedness of the world)\u2014which became extremely influential and was set by many composers over a forty-year period. Brockes conflated elements from the various Gospel accounts, paraphrasing them and elaborating upon them, and invented some additional speech for the characters. In this reimagined way we get to hear more of the characters&#8217; thoughts and witness their emotional conflicts, particularly in the scenes constructed as soliloquies with declamatory recitatives. For today I&#8217;ve selected three of these special moments in the drama from the setting by Handel composed in <em>c<\/em>1716 and probably first performed in Hamburg in 1719, with extracts from the performance in April 2019 in the cathedral at Brixen by the NDR Choir and Le Concert Lorrain, directed by Stephan Schultz. The English translation is by Moritz Grimm, from the work&#8217;s complete libretto available <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/issuu.com\/academy-of-ancient-music\/docs\/aam__handel_brockes-passion_librett\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-layout-2 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>(1) Jesus is alone on the Mount of Olives prior to his arrest, or at least feels alone (his disciples have fallen asleep). He is deeply fearful and prays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/Rxw1DJVUPQo?start=1297&amp;end=1536\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Aria: Jesus\n<font color=\"blue\">My Father, my Father!\nsee how I suffer,\nbe merciful,\nbe merciful in my time of need!\nMy heart is breaking,\nand my soul is anguished\neven unto death.\n\n<\/font>Recitative: Jesus\n<font color=\"blue\">The heavy burden of sins\nweighs me down,\nthe terrors of the abyss overwhelm me,\na slimy quagmire that is bottomless\nthreatens to bury me;\nthe wild fires of hell force marrow \nand blood from my bones and veins.\nAnd since as well as all these torments\nI must endure your wrath, O Father,\nbeside which all tortures are slight,\nthere is no pain like mine.\n\n<\/font>Aria resumed: Jesus\n<font color=\"blue\">If it is possible, if it is possible\nthat your anger can be assuaged,\nthen let this cup pass from me.\nYet, Father, it is not my will\nbut your will alone that must be fulfilled.<\/font><\/pre>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Aria: Jesus\n<em>Mein Vater, mein Vater!\nSchau, wie ich mich qu\u00e4le,\nErbarme dich, \nErbame dich ob meiner Not,\nMein Herze bricht,\nUnd meine Seele betr\u00fcbet sich\nBis an den Tod!<\/em>\n\nRecitative: Jesus\n<em>Mich dr\u00fcckt der S\u00fcnden \nZentnerlast,\nMich \u00e4ngstiget des Abgrunds Schrekken,\nMich will ein schlammigter Morast,\nDer Grundlos ist, bedekken;\nMir pre\u00dft der H\u00f6llen wilde Glut\nAus Bein und Adern Mark und Blut.\nUnd weil ich noch zu allen Plagen\nMu\u00df deinen Grimm, o Vater, tragen,\nVor welchem alle Marter leicht,\nSo ist kein Schmerz, der meinem gleicht.<\/em>\n\nAria, resumed: Jesus\n<em>Ist's m\u00f6glich, ist's m\u00f6glich\nDa\u00df dein Zorn sich stille, \nSo la\u00df den Kelch vor\u00fcber gehn, \nDoch m\u00fcsse, Vater, nicht mein Wille, \nDein Wille nur allein geschehen!<\/em><\/pre>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-layout-4 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/Rxw1DJVUPQo?start=3415&amp;end=3599\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>(2) The apostle Peter has just denied knowing Jesus three times, the cock has crowed and he has wept bitterly. In a soliloquy he has already expressed his &#8216;unbearable agony&#8217; of self-loathing and condemned himself as a &#8216;skulking sinner&#8217; and in other extreme terms. Here, as the soliloquy continues, in his remorse he determines to seek forgiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-layout-3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Recitative: Peter\n<font color=\"blue\">But what, shall I perish in despair?\nNo, my oppressed heart,\nmy timorous spirit\nshall entreat the wondrous kindness\nand grace of my Jesus.\n\n<\/font>Aria: Peter\n<font color=\"blue\">See, full of repentance I fall at your feet,\nredeemer of sins.\nShow me your mercy,\nso that the Prince of Darkness,\nwho laughed at my failings,\nmay weep at my tears!<\/font><\/pre>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Recitative: Peter\n<em>Doch wie, will ich verzweifelnd untergehn?\nNein, mein beklemmtes Herz,\nMein sch\u00fcchternes Gem\u00fcte\nSoll meines Jesus Wunderg\u00fcte\nUnd Gnad' anflehn.\n\n<\/em>Aria: Peter\n<em>Schau, ich fall' in strenger Bu\u00dfe,\nSu\u0308ndenbu\u0308\u00dfer, dir zu Fu\u00dfe,\nLa\u00df mir deine Gnad' erscheinen,\nDa\u00df der F\u00fcrst der dunklen Nacht,\nDer, da ich gefehlt, gelacht,\nM\u00f6g' ob meinen Tr\u00e4nen weinen!<\/em><\/pre>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-layout-6 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/Rxw1DJVUPQo?start=6578&amp;end=6787\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>For more music for Holy Week, <a href=\"https:\/\/databassist.com\/music\/archives\/tag\/HWeek2020\">see the series from 2020<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>(3) Jesus has been condemned by Pilate, mocked and brutally scourged. Here, his mother Mary reacts with horror as she watches her son being dragged off for execution and forced to carry the cross, and manages to speak with him briefly. With &#8216;a sword pierces my soul&#8217; this text references the <em>Stabat Mater. <\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-layout-5 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Recitative: Mary\n<font color=\"blue\">Oh God, oh God!\nMy son is dragged off,\nis torn away!\nWhere are you leading him,\nvile murderers?\nTo death, so I perceive.\nMust I witness his death,\nI, his afflicted mother?\nHow heavy is the weight of my sorrow!\nA sword pierces my soul,\nMy child, my Lord, my God perishes!\nFor so many wondrous deeds,\nis the cross now his reward?\nOh God, my son!<\/font>\n\nDuet-aria:\nMary: <font color=\"blue\">Must my child, my life, die?\nAnd does my blood pour out his blood?\n\n<\/font>Jesus: <font color=\"blue\">Yes, I die for your good,\nTo secure your place in heaven.<\/font><\/pre>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Recitative: Mary\n<em>Ach Gott, ach Gott!\nMein Sohn wird fortgeschleppt,\nWird weggerissen!\nWo f\u00fchrt ihr ihn, \nVerruchte M\u00f6rder, hin?\nZum Tode, wie ich merke.\nHab' ich den seinen Tod erleben m\u00fcssen,\nGekr\u00e4nkte Mutter, die ich bin?\nWie schwer ist meines Jammers Last!\nEs dringt ein Schwert durch meine Seele,\nMein Kind, mein Herr, mein Gott erbla\u00dft!\nIst den f\u00fcr so viel Wunderwerke\nNunmehr das Kreuz sein Lohn?\nAch Gott! Ach Gott! Mein Sohn!<\/em>\n\nDuet-aria:\nMary: <em>Soll mein Kind, mein Leben sterben,\nUnd vergie\u00dft mein Blut sein Blut?<\/em>\n\nJesus: <em>Ja, ich sterbe dir zu gut,\nDir den Himmel zu erwerben.<\/em><\/pre>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-layout-7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This post, for Maundy Thursday, is in a series for Lent to Easter, 2021 Passion dramas in the Lutheran tradition, designed for performance in church during Holy Week, generally adhere to the Biblical text of one of the four Gospels, much of it sung by a narrator: in this method, actual persons (Judas, Caiphas, Pilate, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[211],"tags":[51,245,246,39,30,209,210,56,37,43,58],"post_mailing_queue_ids":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/databassist.com\/music\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2369"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/databassist.com\/music\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/databassist.com\/music\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/databassist.com\/music\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/databassist.com\/music\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2369"}],"version-history":[{"count":53,"href":"https:\/\/databassist.com\/music\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2369\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2422,"href":"https:\/\/databassist.com\/music\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2369\/revisions\/2422"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/databassist.com\/music\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2369"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/databassist.com\/music\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2369"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/databassist.com\/music\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2369"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}